https://cchu9080.lib.hku.hk/files/original/138/IMG_6555.jpeg 47ae0b7b42278c3e2bb1f2460f762f67 https://cchu9080.lib.hku.hk/files/original/138/IMG_7221.jpeg 5c8838721e3eff933633d8b788c945c8 3D Model A 3D rendering of a physical object. Place of Origin The geographic location where an object was made Dongcheng District, Beijing, China Date From Enter the lower end of the date range, only enter a number without any label and use negative for BCE. For example: enter '220' for 220 CE or '-220' for 220 BCE 1654 Date To Enter the upper end of the date range, only enter a number without any label and use negative for BCE. For example: enter '220' for 220 CE or '-220' for 220 BCE 1722 Materials What an object is made of, including any later additions (mounts, frames, etc.) Rhinoceros horn Height (cm) 14 cm Width (cm) 10.6 cm Credit Line The name of the individual or institution that donated the object to the museum, the source of a purchase, or the name of a loaning individual or institution Gift of Tan Siew Nguk Accession Number A unique identifier for an object HKU.M.2017.2398 Description A short physical description of the object with an overview of its historical and social significance This is a Rhinoceros horn-shaped cup covered with lacquer from the Qing dynasty. The inscriptions on the bottom of the cup show that it was a gift from the Qing Emperor Kangxi (1654-1722) to Tan Siew Nguk. The material, solid rhinoceros horn, symbolises the persistence of nature as it is a relatively hard material compared to wood. The lacquer-glazed surface provides the object with protection against water and acid. The increased durability of the cup echoes with the theme of the persistence of nature. Influenced by Manchu arts, this portable cup was decorated with rich botanical elements and great details. Strokes on the leaves are carved out clearly. The edge of the cup is carved into a chain of circular shape, giving the viewers an impression of clouds. Other natural imageries such as a reptile, flowers, and leaves can be seen on the sides of the artefact, presenting a vivid scene of the countryside to the viewers. The small capacity and thick edge of the cup suggest that this cup is mainly for decorative purposes instead of practical drinking purposes. On the bottom of the vessel, apart from the inscriptions, a short stroke of depression is visible, plausibly a natural imperfection of the material. Incorporating a blemish into the artefact reflects the Qing cultural value of respecting an object’s natural beauty as the artist did not try to cover it nor carve it out. This vessel serves as a celebration of the beauty of nature as shown from the material and surface carvings. Suggested by the context, the recipient of the object had contributed to the Qing society that Kangxi praised him through this object, portraying the social norm and hierarchy during the Qing dynasty. The detailed carvings manifest the skilled craftmanship of Qing artists and the strong cultural power of Qing. Culture/Period A broad historical period, archaeological culture, or artistic movement in which an object was made Qing dynasty, Kangxi Period Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Rhinoceros horn-shaped cup