Rhinoceros Horn Art
The Rhinoceros in Chinese Culture
The museum is currently displaying eleven examples of rare Chinese rhinoceros horn cups from the collection, most dating 
from the late Ming (1368-1644) or early Qing (1644-1911) dynasty. The cups on view represent scenes from the natural world, illustrate famous legends, or imitate the form of ritual vessels. They can be seen in Gallery 17 on the second floor.
Rhinoceros horn was thought by the Chinese to help cure certain diseases, neutralize poisons, and increase male virility. The horn was ground for medicine and carved into elaborate vessels for wealthy patrons. Such vessels might be artworks in themselves, and the finest were—and are—eagerly sought by collectors. Archaeological evidence indicates that in ancient times rhinoceros were also harvested for their thick skins, which were used as armor.
Cup in the shape of a bundle of aquatic plants - China - Ming dynasty
(1368-1644) or Qing dynasty (1644-1911), approx. 1600-1700 - Rhinoceros horn
Overhunting and destruction of habitat caused the rhinoceros
to become nearly extinct in China by the beginning
of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). Unfortunately, demand
for animal products with purported medicinal qualities
remains strong today, and this demand—exacerbated by
the country’s recent economic boom—is still a major factor
in the extinction or near extinction of a number of animal
species. It has also led to a strong market for antique rhino
horn cups. In the past decade the high price paid at auction
for rhino horn has increased by a factor of more than
twenty. This is reflected in the high monetary values recently
given to rhino horn cups on the television program Antiques
Roadshow.
Cup with scene of immortal paradise - China - Qing dynasty (1644-1912),
Reign of the Qianlong Emperor (1736-1795) - Rhinoceros horn
The famous ritual vessel in the shape of a rhinoceros on
display in gallery 14 on the museum’s third floor is one of
the earliest and most realistic depictions of the rhinoceros to
be found anywhere in the world. In ancient times two species
of rhino frequented the woods and grasslands of China;
one was small and had a single horn. The second was much
larger, and had two horns. The bronze rhino vessel depicts
the second type. It shows that the cultural importance of
the rhinoceros for the Chinese began in ancient times. Today
many people in China and throughout the world are working
to protect this magnificent endangered animal.
For more information on the rhinoceros and its plight, visit the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
