Lot 116. Two rare rock crystal 'wild goose' libation cups, Liao Dynasty (907-1125). Each 5cm (2in) high. (3). Sold for HKD 40,800 (Est: HKD 10,000 - HKD 15,000). © Bonhams 2001-2022

Each in the form of a libation cup, set on a carved base modelled as a wild goose turning back, box.

Provenance: Acquired from Pao & Moltke, Toronto, in 2005
A Canadian private collection.

Note: The style and design of the present pair of rock crystal cup derives from the Khitan 'Spring Water and Autumn Mountain' themes of the Liao and Jin dynasties that remained popular in the Yuan dynasty. Compare a Yuan dynasty green jade 'wild goose' cup in the Qing Court Collection, illustrated by Yang Boda, Zhongzhongguo yuqi quanji, Shijiazhuang, 2005, p.481, no.183.

Bonhams. GANBEI A TOAST TO CHINESE WINE CULTURE, 30 November 2022, Hong Kong, Admiralty