A finely carved hornbill skull featuring an almost three-dimentional scene of a young couple standing outside of a pavilion, surrounded with trees, foliage and river. Top of the skull is decorated with Chinese symbols, possibly a poem. The eye sockets are set with tortoise disks. Overall without the base measures approx. 4"T x 8"L x 2-1/2"W. The 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.
Offered with a carved wood base.
1,000/2,000 Sold $1,782.50
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