Chinese Carved Cup, S. XIX

This fine Chinese libation cup is hand-carved on a piece of buffalo horn, and very probably dates from the end of 18th century to the beggining of the 19th century. It is an interesting and exotic ancient piece. The cup shows a deep red color with darker shades and streaks, almost black; the whole surface is hand-carved with vegetal motives and traditional scenes.Libation cups were used in Asia to protect oneself against evil or to acquire certain features. They were always made of animal horns; each animal was supposed to have certain beneficial effects. In some cases, as it is probably this cups case, the material they were made of protected the drinker against poisoning. The most prized cups were the ones made of rhino horn, a material with presumed aphrodisiacal properties. In this cup we can appreciate a careful and delicate carving work by means of which the artist depicted two scenes, one on each side of the cup and both taking place in a lush forest. In one scene we can see three male figures dressed in ancient traditional clothes: two of them are sitting at a table playing some kind of game, while the other one is watching them play. The other side of the cup shows a dignitary standing on the left side, and with him there is a smaller figure that seems to be playing an instrument. The way the artist has exploited the depths and turnings of the material to adapt them to the big tree on the right, is highly remarkable. Definitely, the great condition and the artistic beauty of this item, together with its ancient age and magical spirit turn it into a very special piece which will fill with pride any antique lover. Measurements: 115 mm width (mouth) x 120 mm height.