Rhinoceros horn-shaped cup

1654

1722

14 cm

10.6 cm

HKU.M.2017.2398

This is a Rhinoceros horn-shaped cup covered with lacquer from the Qing dynasty. The inscriptions on the bottom of the cup show that it was a gift from the Qing Emperor Kangxi (1654-1722) to Tan Siew Nguk. The material, solid rhinoceros horn, symbolises the persistence of nature as it is a relatively hard material compared to wood. The lacquer-glazed surface provides the object with protection against water and acid. The increased durability of the cup echoes with the theme of the persistence of nature.

Influenced by Manchu arts, this portable cup was decorated with rich botanical elements and great details. Strokes on the leaves are carved out clearly. The edge of the cup is carved into a chain of circular shape, giving the viewers an impression of clouds. Other natural imageries such as a reptile, flowers, and leaves can be seen on the sides of the artefact, presenting a vivid scene of the countryside to the viewers.

The small capacity and thick edge of the cup suggest that this cup is mainly for decorative purposes instead of practical drinking purposes. On the bottom of the vessel, apart from the inscriptions, a short stroke of depression is visible, plausibly a natural imperfection of the material. Incorporating a blemish into the artefact reflects the Qing cultural value of respecting an object’s natural beauty as the artist did not try to cover it nor carve it out.

This vessel serves as a celebration of the beauty of nature as shown from the material and surface carvings. Suggested by the context, the recipient of the object had contributed to the Qing society that Kangxi praised him through this object, portraying the social norm and hierarchy during the Qing dynasty. The detailed carvings manifest the skilled craftmanship of Qing artists and the strong cultural power of Qing.