EXTRAORDINARY GOBLET WITH TWO HANDLES. RHINOCEROS HORN.
China. Qing period. 17th/ 18th century.

Rhinoceros horn; slightly translucent; light brown with yellowish shimmering parts. Four-fold lobed form with steep; faceted sides and slightly decaying lip. The two handles from curved bands with three-dimensional panthers on top. As Jan Chapman wrote; goblets with two handles are rare because the complete bottom part of a horn of the Asian rhinoceros is needed for that. On the inside the border and the bottom are finely offset. In the hollowed base of the goblet a seperately worked; high foot from transparent; honey-brown horn is set in. Its narrow waist and the height let the goblet appear lighter and more elegant. Height 8;9 cm; 14 x 9;5 cm. Condition B. On the base of one of the handles a material related imperfection; panther damaged.

Literature: for mugs with two handles:
Jan Chapman: The Art of the Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China; London; 1999; p. 94.

Please note that objects made of ivory; rhinoceros horn and turtle shell; due to Cites regulations can only be sold within the European Community. At present the export in third countries is prohibited.

Art trade; Van Ham.