Because of their scarcity, rhinoceros horns have been regarded as treasure in China since ancient times. Artworks carved on rhinoceros horns reflect Chinese artistic creativity.
In 2015, the Shanghai Museum received a donation of 10 rhinoceros horn cups, dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), from the Swiss-Chinese collector Qiu Daxiong. Different themes and patterns are exquisitely carved onto these precious artworks.