An impressive full tip Rhinoceros horn carving. China, 19th cent. (Qing-dynasty 1644-1911). Photo Auktionshaus Stahl

Carved honey-brown rhinoceros horn, combined with carved red-brown wood. The wooden stand delicately worked as a mythical rock with large Lingzhi funghi and pine trees. Crowned by the full tip Rhinoceros horn carving in openwork with delicate flowers and branches, utilizing the natural curve of the horn (l. 31,5 cm). An additional rhinoceros openwork carving at the left side, a depiction of 2 of the '8 Immortals' under a peach tree (h. 15 cm). Min. rest. Overall h. 55,5 cm, l. 52 cm. Estimation : 50 000 €

- See: Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London 1999, p. 73.

Regarding the motif of the '8 Immortals' carved in rhinoceros horn, which refers to Ming-period examples, see: ibd., pp. 199-201.

For another carving of this kind see: Bushell, L'Art Chinois, Paris 1910, pp. 140-141, fig. 82. 

Auktionshaus Stahl. Vendredi 27 septembre 2013. Graumannsweg 54 - 22087 Hamburg. Tel.: +49 (0) 40 34 34 71.