Posted 12 years ago
LikNgaiGal…
(1 item)
A rhinoceros piece, believed has around 300 years of history. With old
man, Cranes and tree on the outer surface. It has 3 legs, this kind of ware called ”Cheuk”???in Cantonese.
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If it is really that old or even a genuine rhinoceros horn, it would be worth a lot more (medicinal value or carvings) without the 3 legs artificially attached to it at the bottom. It is obvious that this entire piece was not carved from a single horn, and genuine expensive masterpieces are usually carved using the whole or part of the rhinoceros horn without adding foreign parts. Think about the actual shape of a rhinoceros horn and how would you carve it into this piece - just does not make any sense. Furthermore, the 3 legs do not look like rhinoceros horn at all. So why add unnecessary stuff onto something that would have been valuable on its own? Is it even rhinoceros horn in the first place? I doubt so.
Check out the term "jue": a libation cup.. Rhinoceros horn has a distinct tone and transparency. You'll be able to compare yours with other "jue" on the net. They were made in bronze and a variety of other materials.
I do not think that the real African or Asian Rhinoceros horn can be easily found in China unless you are referring to fake ones. In fact, I think it is illegal to trade genuine rhinoceros horns, new and old, commercially as antique or medicine in China. The addition of parts, in my opinion, reduces the credibility of this piece. Coincidentally, this LikNgaiGallery deleted its previous post on old Chinese Jade pieces that were simply huge chunks of modern reproductions. Their website was filled with dubious ancient Chinese Jade. Given the above observations, I am not buying the 300 years of history. Look at the distinct difference in polished surfaces of the legs and main body. Collectors beware!
Yes, the piece is ' jue' in Putonghua. Depends on difference materials, some 'jue' become quite the same thing with the original. If you try to search the Chinese Antiques Books. You are not difficult to found this shape by using rhinoceros horn. The transparency of the material depends on the condition of the horn itself. What you see in Christies and Museums in Western world are usually in prefect condition. But most of the rhinoceros you can found is not that prefect.
Sometimes because of the humidity and the mosture of the weather. And especially during the very long period in mainland, the horn were not keep in the proper way because the owner need to keep them very secret.
If only it was as easy as simply relying on Chinese Antique Books, they are full of land mines. I have seen antique Jue Rhinoceros horns, but the legs are generally shorter which fits the natural curve of a Rhinoceros horn. It is somewhat disturbing to see the yellowish white substances, not to mention poorly done, appearing at suspicious areas. On closer look, the base seems to be glued on as well, especially when I do not see a continuation of the natural lines/patches/tone from the bottom of the vessel body to the base.
I hear your side of the story LikNgaiGallery/raymondfung and completely amused by it. Interestingly, I was expecting you to delete the post with my negative remarks. Let me share your link again http://www.likngai.com/ and allow astute collectors to study the kind of "antique" jade pieces and bronze pieces (with artificial patina) you appraise, collect or share.
interesting post
Pardon my poor command of English raymond. To be clear, there are obvious differences in the surface gloss and natural patterns (not continuous) on the supposedly Rhinoceros horn Jue when comparing the vessel, base and the legs. Hence, this item was likely pieced together by several parts and usually this is a red flag for collectors to question the validity of the underlying material(s) and fancy story behind it.
So raymond, what do you think of the yellowish white substance that seems to only form around the edges where the base connects to the 3 legs and vessel body to base? One can probably argue that even if the above piece was not carved from a single Rhinoceros horn, the separate pieces can be 300 years old as well. While that's possible, from my observations, those genuine masterpieces (old, new, museums, Christie's or Antique Shops) worth collecting are generally carved in one piece with intricate carvings showing off the natural patterns and curve of a Rhinoceros horn.