The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China

London: Christie's Books, 1999. This volume is an outstanding illustrated survey of pieces from some of the world's finest and most unusual private and public collections. For more than 2000 years the delicate and intricately carved rhinoceros horn cups were highly valued for their magical properties. Thought to detect poison, they were later used by the kings of Europe. The author draws on first hand knowledge to explain the carving technique, from trimming the horn through sketching and carving the design, to finishing and dying the final product. She presents a new identification system to classify the rare and beautiful artworks that are pictured throughout this book. Commencing with an historical background, Chapman details carving techniques, the identity of the carvers, a method to date the carvings and the impact of rhinoceros horn carving on other areas of Chinese art. The definitive English language source on the subject. ["Chapman guides us through the difficult subject matter with ease, confidence and an obvious love for these graceful objects." K. Rookmaaker, Archives of Natural History, Vol. 28, 2001] 288 pp., 401 col. and b&w ill.'s, map. A new/unread copy.. First Edition. Hardbound. New/new. 31 x 22 cm..