Up for auction is a fine Chinese scholar's desk ornament of a large elaborately carved water-buffalo horn. The entire surface of the tall curved horn is profusely carved in low relief with a scene of scholars and attendants among natural landscape. The towering pine tree, the stylized cloud motif, the flying cranes and bats, the rocks, the pavilion, and the banana tree are elegantly carved in fine Ming bamboo or Rhinoceros horn carving style. The surface has developed a warm mellow patina only seen on old horn surface. The quality of carving on this modest material is superb and is comparable to works of late Ming or early Qing Dynasty bamboo and horn carving masters. This beautiful horn desk ornament is in excellent condition with only a few surface chips.
Size: length: 38cm; width: 8.4cm