A rare and fine 'Eight immortals' rhinoceros horn cup, China, 17th-18th century. Estimate 60000/100000 €. Lot sold 60.000 €. Photo Nazgel

finely carved in high relief around the sloping sides with the 'Eight Immortals' standing on billowing clouds, flanking a recumbent deer, all welcoming Shoulao as he descends from the sky on a crane, the undercut trunks of two fruiting peach trees forming the handle at one end, the horn of a rich amber-brown color with a satiny patina, wood stand. L.17,1/H.10,3 cm. Few tiny chips, one branch at the handle restored

Provenance: Former old Berlin private collection, bought in the 1920's by the previous owner

Note: The Eight Immortals welcoming Shoulao, the god of longevity, is a popular birthday motif, used to wish the recipient a long life filled with blessings. While a number of rhinoceros horn vessels decorated with this auspicious subject matter are known from important museum and private collections, the present vessel is especially fine for its deep and detailed carving. The flawless beauty of the material is further enhanced by the design that displays the carver's skillful use of space. Close attention has been paid to the minutest details, such as the depiction of each of the immortals' facial features and their attributes. The carver has brought his subjects to life by giving movement to heir robes: they appear lively and animated. For comparable examples, see one attributed to the 17th century, illustrated in Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, p. 130, pl. 82. Another cup in the collection of the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, is illustrated in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, figs. 270-2. A further vessel of this type, in the collection of the Osaka Municipal Museum, Osaka, is included ibid., pl. 266

NAGEL. "Asian Art". Sale 722, 06/06/2015