Auction - Apr 8 - Rhinoceros Horn Carvings from Chow Collection at Sotheby's

The Edward and Franklin Chow collection of rhinoceros horn carvings ranks among the finest in the world and was assembled over the last half century, starting in 1959 when Edward T. Chow acquired his first rhinoceros horn cup in London. Sotheby's will be selling part of the collection on Apr 8. The sale will include exceptional examples from the Ming and Qing dynasties, such as this Imperial Rhinoceros Horn 'Dragon' Bowl (Ming dynasty, 16th /17th Century), which is valued at US$2.3-3.2 million. Acquired in 1978, this bowl is amongst the most important vessels in the collection. Edward Chow mentions in his notes that in his fifty years' experience with antiques, it is the first time that he has seen such an extraordinary piece. The bowl is impressive for its exceptionally large size. The only horn type that is of sufficient size and shape to make such a striking vessel is that of the Black African rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis). The piece is the work of a master carver possibly employed by the Ming court or commissioned to make it as a tribute item for the

court. It is known that from the early Ming dynasty the craft of horn carving was exclusively controlled by the imperial court which may have commissioned a bowl of this type for the emperor and his family.

There is also a rare carved rhinoceros horn libation cup with inscription by Xing Cheng (Ming dynasty, dated to 1639). Amongst rhinoceros horn carvings, those bearing an inscription are rare, but even more exceptional, and of invaluable historical importance, are those that provide the carver's name as well as a date of when the vessel was made. This inscription records the carver's name, Xing Cheng, and dates the vessel to 1639. Edward Chow actually started his rhinoceros horn collection with this cup which he purchased from the renowned London dealer John Sparks in 1959. The carver, Xing Cheng, has treated his material as if painting on a hand-scroll - the rich landscape unfolds to the viewer as the cup is turned.

There will be travelling exhibitions in Shanghai (9-10 March), Beijing (12-13 March) and Taipei (
26-27 March). If you want to know more on horn carving, read this story I wrote a few years back for
IHT .