There has been an increased interest in Chinese rhinoceros horn cups after the recent record setting estimate for a group of rhino horn cups on the “Antiques Roadshow.” A group of these fabulous cups had an estimate of 1.5 million dollars. High end art and antiques such as these have been showing strong auction results, despite the slow economy. Part of this may be due to the increased interest of the Chinese who are turning to art and antiques for investments instead of real estate. The results shown below are a reflection of the current strong market for higher end antique auctions.
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla.) – A rare and masterfully carved Chinese rhinoceros horn libation cup from the 17th or 18th century, just four inches tall and fitted to a reticulated teakwood base, sold for $318,600 – $68,000 more than the pre-sale high estimate – at a sale of Asian antiques held March 17-18 by Elite Decorative Arts, at the firm’s gallery in Boynton Beach.
“We expected the rhino horn cup to be the centerpiece lot of the auction, and we were not disappointed,” said Scott Cieckiewicz of Elite Decorative Arts. “The object sparked a spirited bidding war before an Internet bidder in Shanghai finally emerged the winner.” Mr. Cieckiewicz added the two-day sale grossed right around $1.1 million. “It was an excellent auction,” he said.
Rare and masterfully carved rhinoceros horn libation cup ($318,600)
The rhinoceros horn was of a gently flaring form. It was finely relief carved as a wooded jungle and rendered in high relief to depict a village scene with trees and people working and resting. One side showed scholars climbing the side of a rock mountain, with many types of trees. The other side depicted a family at the base and a tall peony tree growing alongside a rock.
The auction literally attracted worldwide attention. Of the estimated 1,000 registered bidders (the vast majority of whom participated online, through LiveAuctioneers.com and Auctionzip.com), more than 100 were from Asia, about 65 were from Europe and a smattering hailed from Australia, South America and Africa. Phone and absentee bids were also accepted.…More at Rhinoceros horn libation cup from the 17th or 18th century breezes to $318,600 at Elite Decorative Arts in Florida
More ReadingSevres centerpiece could earn $9,000 in live, online auction
Be sure and click on the above links and see other highlights of this auction, including another rhino horn item, as well as an upcoming auction. In the future I will be featuring othe recent antique auction results and also alert you to other upcoming auctions here on Buying and Selling Antiques.
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