SHANGHAI - Hailed in ancient texts as "the beauty of the southern land" and "originating from the remote Jiude region", rhinoceros horn is renowned for its smooth and delicate texture, serene and lustrous color, and distinctive natural grain. It has long been revered as a material of exceptional craftsmanship. Rhinoceros horn carving in China had already matured by the Han dynasty, evolved further through the Tang and Song periods, and attained its zenith as a unique art form in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its artistry drew inspiration from and integrated the designs and techniques of gold, jade, lacquer, bamboo, wood, and ivory carvings, resulting in a rich and refined repertoire of themes and patterns. Among these works, rhinoceros horn cups stand as the quintessential form. They not only continue the ancient tradition of crafting libation cups from horn but also embody the values of Chinese craftsmanship: maximizing the potential of materials, unveiling their beauty, and perfecting mastery. These exquisite pieces reflect an enduring pursuit of harmony and refinement in life.

The Shanghai Museum is one of the major public institutions housing Ming and Qing rhinoceros horn carvings. This exhibition presents over a hundred rhinoceros horn artifacts from our collection, complemented by related objects in diverse mediums, to highlight the craftsmanship behind these extraordinary yet lesser-known traditional carvings from various perspectives. Beyond showcasing the resplendent designs and virtuosic mastery of these rare treasures, the exhibition also seeks to offer artistic inspiration and cultural nourishment for contemporary craft practices.

Rhinoceros Horn Cup with Dragon-flying-through-flowers Design, Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Mouth 15.4 x 10.6 cm, Height 23.7 cm. © Shanghai Museum

Rhinoceros Horn Cup in the Shape of a Lotus Leaf Curled Inside Out, Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Height 7.1 cm, Mouth 15.7 x 10.2 cm, Base 5.0 x 3.7 cm. Gift of Gu Lijiang. © Shanghai Museum

Rhinoceros Horn Cup with a Scene of the Red Cliff, Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Height 8 cm, Length of mouth10.3 cm, Width of mouth 17.1 cm, Length of base 4.8 cm, Width of base 6.1 cm. © Shanghai Museum

Rhinoceros Horn Carving of Maitreya and Children, Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Length 16.6 cm, Width 10.7 cm, Height 8.8 cm. © Shanghai Museum.

Rhinoceros Horn Cup with Wavy Clouds and Mythical Sea Creatures, Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Height 11.1 cm, Width 17.0 cm. Gift of Franklin Chow © Shanghai Museum.

Rhinoceros Horn Carving of an Immortal on a Raft, by Bao Tiancheng, Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Height 9.7 cm, Length 25.5 cm, Width 9.9 cm. © Shanghai Museum.

Rhinoceros Horn Cup with Seal Script Inscription, Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Height 7.8 cm, Mouth 15.0 x 10.9 cm. Gift of Gu Lijiang. © Shanghai Museum

Rhinoceros Horn Cup with Magnolia Blossom Design, Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Height 6.8 cm, Mouth 13.2 x 9.5 cm, Base 5.5 x 5.2 cm. Gift of Li Fusun. © Shanghai Museum

White-glazed Cup with Floral Spring Design, Dehua ware, Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Height 6.8 cm, Diameter of mouth 9.3 cm, Diameter of base 4.5 cm. © Shanghai Museum

Lotus-leaf-shaped Rhinoceros Horn Cup with a Hollow Straw Handle and Design Symbolizing Incorruptibility, Late Ming and early Qing dynasty (17th century). Height 10.5 cm, Mouth 19.5 x 10.8 cm. © Shanghai Museum

Rhinoceros Horn Cup with Motifs Symbolizing Immortals, Late Ming and early Qing dynasty (17th century). Height 8.0 cm, Mouth 19.0 x 12.5 cm, Base 5.2 x 4.2 cm. © Shanghai Museum

Rhinoceros Horn Cup with Pines on a Cliff and a Stream, by Zhou Wenshu, Late Ming and early Qing (17th century). Height 8.8 cm, Width 15.2 cm. Gift of Franklin Chow. © Shanghai Museum

Rhinoceros Horn Cup with a Scene of Boating under the Red Cliff, by Zhou Wenshu, Late Ming and early Qing (17th century). Height 10.9 cm, Width 17.2 cm. Gift of Franklin Chow, 2015. © Shanghai Museum

Rhinoceros Horn Cup with Archaistic Pattern and Chi-dragon Handle, Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Height 11.8 cm, Width 16.3 cm. Gift of Franklin Chow © Shanghai Museum

Rhinoceros Horn Cup with Mantis-and-cabbage-leaf Design, Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Height 7.4 cm, Width 15.8 cm. Gift of Franklin Chow © Shanghai Museum

Rhinoceros Horn Cup with a Scene of Visiting Friends with Qin (zither), Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Height 14.5 cm, Mouth 18.5 x 12.0 cm, Base 6.1 x 5.3 cm. © Shanghai Museum.

Rhinoceros Horn Square ding (vessel) with Flat Legs and Animal-mask Pattern, Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Height 18.4 cm, Mouth 10.8 x 8.1 cm. © Shanghai Museum.

Rhinoceros Horn Seal with Dragon Knob, Qing dynasty (1644-1911). © Shanghai Museum.

Rhinoceros Horn Hairpin with Plum Blossom Design, Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Length 11.5 cm, Width 1.8 cm. Gift of Gu Lijiang © Shanghai Museum.