This c. 19th Century hand-carved hornbill skull is also from China. It features three figures in a wooded landscape. Hornbill ivory is very rare and was extremely popular in China and the East Indies. The ivory, also known as Ho-ting, is a hard substance which is contained above the beak of the helmeted Hornbill. Gradually, as the bird grows older it develops a helmet on the top of the skull, which turns into a gleaming red color. Hornbill ivory first appeared in Chinese records during the Ming Dynasty, reserved only for royalty in hair ornaments, buttons and general decoration. This item has two malachite disks set into the eye sockets. Apprx 4-1/4"T x 8"L x 3-1/2"W.
1,500/2,500 Sold $1,380.00
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