A Dehua libation cup

17^th century

The cup is of rhinoceros-horn form and applied on one side with a group of three tigers below a dragon emerging from ruyi-shaped clouds, and on the other side with a qilin looking up at a flying crane and a stylised bird. The narrow sides are decorated with crested waves below overhanging rocks. The rich creamy glaze is of ivory tone, the recessed base partly glazed.

7.5 cm high

Provenance:

Purchased from S Marchant & Son, 1994

Formerly in the collection of Robert Suermont

Published:

S. Marchant & Son, Exhibition of Blanc de Chine, London, 1994, pl. 84