清 犀角雕山水人物杯|Cup with figures in a landscape

Art Historical Context

This exquisite rhinoceros horn cup, crafted in 18th-century Qing dynasty China, stands as a testament to the era's masterful artistry. Measuring just 6 (15.2 cm) in height, it features intricate carvings of human figures wandering through a serene landscape dotted with trees. The translucent, ivory-like material of the horn allows light to play across its surfaces, enhancing the depth and vitality of the scene—a harmonious blend of nature and human presence typical of Chinese literati ideals. Rhinoceros horn was a prized luxury material during the Qing period (1644–1911), celebrated for its s...