Page 157 - Fine Chinese Works of Art Bonhams Hong Kong May 2018

The magnolia is a symbol of feminine beauty and charm. The 玉蘭花題材在明清時期備受青睞，有高潔、純潔的象徵。參考北京故
magnolia’s trumpet-like form made it a popular motif as the shape lent 宮博物院藏一件明早期犀角雕玉蘭花果紋杯，其造型和題材與本杯類
itself to the restrictions of the natural shape of the rhinoceros horn. 似，見《故宮博物院藏文物珍品全集：竹木牙角雕刻》，香港，2002
年，頁123，編號112。
Compare with a related rhinoceros horn libation cup, of similar form
and with design of magnolia, early Ming dynasty, illustrated in The 倫敦佳士得亦曾售出一件十七世紀犀角雕玉蘭杯可資對比，2011年11
Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Bamboo, 月8日，拍品編號10。
Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, Hong Kong, 2002, p.123,
no.112.

See also a similar rhinoceros horn libation cup in the form of a
magnolia, 17th century, which was sold at Christie’s London, 8
November 2011, lot 10.

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