A fine Rhinoceros horn bowl with Taotie-masks, China, 18th cent. (Qing-dynasty 1644-1911). Photo Auktionshaus Stahl

Carved and ground Rhinoceros-horn. Flat bowl with revolving relief decoration: Taotie-masks between Leiwen- and lotus petal border.Including an authentication-certificate of the University of Hamburg. Diam. 11 cm. Estimation : 5 000 €

Note: The exotic animals fascinated the Chinese arts and culture since prehistoric times. Especially the horn was cherished for its believed capability of revealing poisened liquids.
This explains the development of rhino horn cups and bowls as an established motif. Compare the decoration with a rhinoceros horn cup with Taotie masks in the Avery Brundage Collection, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco.

Auktionshaus Stahl.  Samedi 23 février 2013. Graumannsweg 54 - 22087 Hamburg. Tel. +49 (0) 40 34 34 71