A Chinese Carved Rhinoceros Horn Libation Cup 17th/18th century

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The Gilded Age

By Freeman's

Jul 14, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-07-14 10:00:00 2021-07-14 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : The Gilded Age https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/freemans/the-gilded-age-7150
A collection of European decorative arts and furniture. Curated by Laura Sevelis, Junior Specialist British & European Furniture & Decorative Arts. Freeman's info@freemansauction.com

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• Lot Description
  A Chinese Carved Rhinoceros Horn Libation Cup 17th/18th century

  In the form of a hibiscus blossom, the underside with leaves, branches, buds and a qilong at each long end, a lingzhi spray over the head of the qilong at the “spout” end

  
  
  (H: 3 3/8, L: 6 1/2, W: 3 5/8 in.)
  
  Qty: (1)
  
  

  Provenance

  The Collection of Eldridge Reeves Fenimore Johnson (1899-1986), likely collected before 1937.
  Thence by descent in the family.

  
  
  Footnote:

  Note

  E. R. F. Johnson was a noted explorer, yachtsman and researcher. He was a pioneer in the development of underwater photography and had close ties with the University of Pennsylvania, where a collection of his photographs are preserved. His father was Eldridge Reeves Johnson (1867-1945), the founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company, later RCA. It is very possible this may have been originally acquired by the elder E. R. Johnson, given that he gave Chinese works of art to the University of Pennsylvania Museum in 1920 and 1927, including the large crystal ball said to have belonged to the Dowager Empress Cixi, the pair of carved stone reliefs of the favorite horses of the Tang Emperor Taizong, and numerous jade and coral carvings.

  For other examples, see a ‘Hibiscus’ libation cup, dated to the 17th Century, sold at Christie’s, London, November 7, 2011, Lot 5, and another hibiscus-form cup, dated to the 17th/18th Century, sold at Christie’s, New York, March 23, 2011, Lot 1453. See also the cup from the "closet of vanities" collected by John Tradescant the Elder (died 1632), presented to Oxford University by Elias Ashmole in 1683, and now in the Ashmoleon Museum, Oxford University, illustrated in Soame Jenyns, Chinese Art, vol III, 1982, no. 138, p. 173.

  Please Note: This item is composed of a regulated material. It is accompanied by documentation identifying material, age and provenance. It is the responsibility of any bidder/buyer to be aware of and comply with any local, state, national and international regulations governing the acquisition and movement of this item. Some countries and states prohibit the importation of items that contain materials from endangered species, including rhinoceros horn. Prospective buyers should familiarize themselves with the relevant customs restrictions prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country. Freeman's does not provide CITES documentation for import or export.

  
  
  Condition report:

  Small hole to tip of one petal, 7mm long chip at rim by 'handle' end, scattered tiny flakes and shallow chips along rim; loss to branching at foot and below 'handle' qilong, some breaks at branches, surfaces soiled and dusty, somewhat dry in appearance, hairlines on surface. There is no evidence that this object has been repaired or later modified.

• Shipping Info

  • No lot may be removed from Freeman’s premises until the buyer has paid in full the purchase price therefor including Buyer’s Premium or has satisfied such terms that Freeman’s, in its sole discretion, shall require. Subject to the foregoing, all Property shall be paid for and removed by the buyer at his/ her expense within ten (10) days of sale and, if not so removed, may be sold by Freeman’s, or sent by Freeman’s to a third-party storage facility, at the sole risk and charge of the buyer(s), and Freeman’s may prohibit the buyer from participating, directly or indirectly, as a bidder or buyer in any future sale or sales. In addition to other remedies available to Freeman’s by law, Freeman’s reserves the right to impose a late charge of 1.5% per month of the total purchase price on any balance remaining ten (10) days after the day of sale. If Property is not removed by the buyer within ten (10) days, a handling charge of 2% of the total purchase price per month from the tenth day after the sale until removal by the buyer shall be payable to Freeman’s by the buyer. Freeman’s will not be responsible for any loss, damage, theft, or otherwise responsible for any goods left in Freeman’s possession after ten (10) days. If the foregoing conditions or any applicable provisions of law are not complied with, in addition to other remedies available to Freeman’s and the Consignor (including without limitation the right to hold the buyer(s) liable for the bid price) Freeman’s, at its option, may either cancel the sale, retaining as liquidated damages all payments made by the buyer(s), or resell the property. In such event, the buyer(s) shall remain liable for any deficiency in the original purchase price and will also be responsible for all costs, including warehousing, the expense of the ultimate sale, and Freeman’s commission at its regular rates together with all related and incidental charges, including legal fees. Payment is a precondition to removal. Payment shall be by cash, certified check or similar bank draft, or any other method approved by Freeman’s. Checks will not be deemed to constitute payment until cleared. Any exceptions must be made upon Freeman’s written approval of credit prior to sale. In addition, a defaulting buyer will be deemed to have granted and assigned to Freeman’s, a continuing security interest of first priority in any property or money of, or owing to such buyer in Freeman’ possession, and Freeman’s may retain and apply such property or money as collateral security for the obligations due to Freeman’s. Freeman’s shall have all of the rights accorded a secured party under the Pennsylvania Uniform Commercial Code.

• Buyer's Premium

  • Hammer Price	Premium (%)
    $0	29.00
    $600,000	23.00
    $3,000,000	15.00