Page 169 - Fine Chinese Works of Art Bonhams Hong Kong May 2018

The natural shape of the horn used for the making of this rare cup
lends itself particularly well to that of an open flower blossom. The
carver has transformed the lip end of this material into a complete
magnolia flower with undulating rim. The hibiscus carved around the
exterior are immediately recognisable by the stamens which extend
far out of the flower. The carving is detailed and naturalistic, with the
interior of the piece finished to the highest level with the overlapping
petals carved to display a strong three-dimensional quality.

Compare with a similar rhinoceros horn libation cup with magnolia
buds, from the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, illustrated by
J.Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London,
1999, p.167, pl.211.

見都柏林查士特圖書館藏一件類似的犀角雕玉蘭紋杯，出版於
J.Chapman，《The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China》，倫
敦，1999年，頁167，圖版211。

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