Lot 2165. A carved rhinoceros horn 'Eight immortals and Shoulao' libation cup, Ming dynasty, early 17th century; 5 15/16 in. (15 cm.) wide. Estimate HKD 500,000 - HKD 700,000. Price realised HKD 1,340,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2012

In the form of a lotus petal, the deep cup is carved in high relief with Shoulao riding a crane, descending to meet the Eight Immortals, each bearing an attribute and standing on continuous scrolling wave-like clouds continuing around the base to form an openwork foot ring. The plain well-polished interior rises up to a neatly finished rim. The material is of a rich dark walnut tone.

Provenance: Acquired in New York, 1999.

Note: A large rhinoceros horn libation cup with the same theme of the Eight Daoist Immortals in the peach garden of the Land of the Immortals, from the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, is illustrated by J. Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, figs. 270-272 where the author discusses the theme and significance of the Eight Immortals; a smaller cup, also carved with the immortals around the vessel, is in the Osaka Municipal Museum, and illustrated ibid., fig. 266.