Lot 4155. A rare small rhinoceros horn wine cup, Ming dynasty, early 17th century, 2 in. (5.2 cm.) diam. Estimate HKD 150,000 - HKD 250,000. Price realised HKD 300,000© Christie's Images Ltd 2012

The thick body tapers in a curved line from the broad circular footed base to the everted rim. The lustrous undecorated material is of a rich golden tone darkening to a reddish brown to the interior, wood stand, box.

Provenance: Acquired in London, 1988

Literature: T. Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, p. 110, no. 63 

Exhibited: Hong Kong Museum of Art, Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth: Gems of Antiquities Collections in Hong Kong, 2002-2005

Note: The form of this cup with its thick sides and broad foot ring is reminiscent of the yashoubei, which literally means 'fitting into one's palm', of the Ming period. As such it is markedly different to the much thinner walls and narrow foot rims found on Qing dynasty cups which are closer to those made in the ceramic form. It has been noted by the author that this streaked fibrous rhinoceros horn was known as banxi, see T. Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, 1999, p. 110. 

Christie's. Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 30 May 2012, Hong Kong, HKCEC Grand Hall