Square shaped bottle with rounded shoulder, carved of Hornbill ivory, with stopper. Sides have the reddish color sought after in Hornbill. Front of bottle depicts two figures in front of a doorway with balcony in background; verso has a chrysanthemum with two small birds. Small footed base with vignette border. Apprx 2-1/4"T x 1-1/2"W. On display in the Pittsburgh PA gallery. Hornbill ivory is very rare and was extremley 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. The ivory is covered with a gleaming red coating. Hornbill ivory first appeared in Chinese records during the Ming Dynasty.
150/250 Sold $178.25
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