Lot description
A RARE AND EXQUISITELY CARVED RHINOCEROS HORN LOTUS-LEAF SHAPED WATERDROPPER MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY, SIGNED ZHI SHENG The main receptacle is naturalistically modelled as a large inverted lotus leaf, finely detailed around the exterior with a pair of butterflies in flight above twin lotus blooms, a long blade of grass, and further curled lotus leaves, all borne on the long stems, curving up to one side joining the large, well-hollowed central stem which forms a pouring spout, its slender channel connected to a hole in the center of the interior, the interior of the cup with a praying mantis climbing over a long bladed leaf, the side of the cup with the maker's sealmark Zhi Sheng in shallow relief within a raised circular border, the tone of the material shading from a rich deep honey colour to almost blackish-brown on the exterior, and reddish-brown on the interior 6 7/8 in. (17.5 cm.) across, box Weight: 9.7 oz. (274.5 gm.)
