Chinese Libation Cup, 19th Century

Antique Chinese libation cup made of buffalo horn in the 19th century. This article is in great condition. The material it is made of is real buffalo horn delicately engraved by hand, which turns the piece into a highly decorative and aesthetically valuable item. The cup is dark red color, so deep that in some part it looks like black, and its decoration is splitted in three separate parts, being also carved inside.The patterns that make up the cups decoration are mainly abstract and ornamental, though the vertical fringe which goes from top to bottom is undoubtedly vegetal inspired: it bears some kind of twined branches with fruits and leaves. On the other hand, the upper and bottom borders and the place where the base joins the cup are embellished with slim geometrical oriental fringes, which simulate a kind of wicker or bamboo net. The cup has some abstract and curved carvings in its upper part, while the inside (the cavity where the liquid is poured) is engraved with some fringes with volutes and curls.Libation cups were sacred and mythological objects though they were also made for decorative reasons. These items were supposed to be magic and were made with animal horns, because the horns are said to be able to detect poison in liquids (they were and are also used as medicine). The rhinoceros cups are the most expensive and appreciated ones. So this libation cup is full of ancient sacred objects magic and is also a wonderful decorative piece, fit to stand out in the best collection of exotic oriental antiques.Measurements: Width: 140 mm. Height: 165 mm.