A rare and exquisirte 'Eight Immortals' rhinoceros horn cup. Qing dynasty, 17th-18th century. Photo Sotheby"s

finely carved in high relief around the sloping sides with the 'Eight Immortals' standing on billowing clouds that hover over a pierced rockwork base, 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 reddish-brown color with a satiny patina. Length 6 3/4 in., 17.1 cm. Estimate 180,000-250,000 USD

PROVENANCE: Bath, England, 1969.

Property of the collection of Mr. Douglas Huber

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 their 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. This cup was previously sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 1st June 1994, lot 161. 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. See also a cup sold in our London rooms, 11th May 2011, lot 15, another sold at Christie's New York 15th - 16th September 2011, lot 1233; and one sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 8th April 2009, lot 1688.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, New York | 20 Mar 2012 www.sothebys.com