Period:Qing dynasty Production date:18thC
Materials:horn
Technique:carved
Subjects:flower
Dimensions:Height: 22.50 centimetres Length: 18 centimetres
Description:
Rhinoceros horn libation cup, decorated with mallow and chrysanthemum flowers in high relief. The base is carved in the shape of an ancient bronze ‘gu’.
IMG
Comments:Rawson 1992:Rhinoceros horn cups were collector’s items, given as gifts to successful scholars. There are numerous references in early Chinese historical literature to objects made of rhinoceros horn, which is in fact not a horn but a solid mass of hair. It was thought by Daoists to have magical properties as well as being valued as an aphrodisiac. By the Tang dynasty (AD 618-806) it was carved into cups which were given to scholars who were successful is examinations.
Materials:horn
Technique:carved
Subjects:flower
Dimensions:Height: 22.50 centimetres Length: 18 centimetres
Description:
Rhinoceros horn libation cup, decorated with mallow and chrysanthemum flowers in high relief. The base is carved in the shape of an ancient bronze ‘gu’.
IMG
Comments:Rawson 1992:Rhinoceros horn cups were collector’s items, given as gifts to successful scholars. There are numerous references in early Chinese historical literature to objects made of rhinoceros horn, which is in fact not a horn but a solid mass of hair. It was thought by Daoists to have magical properties as well as being valued as an aphrodisiac. By the Tang dynasty (AD 618-806) it was carved into cups which were given to scholars who were successful is examinations.
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