A rhinoceros horn 'magnolia blossom' libation cup, 17th/18th century

The tapering deep walls formed of overlapping petals rising to the slightly flared undulating rim, finely carved in relief with a magnolia blossom and buds borne on naturalistically carved stems emanating from a network of openwork gnarled branches forming the handle, the horn of sumptuous chocolate-brown tone turning darker at the foot. 9.1cm (3½in) wide. Sold for £21,600

Provenance: an English private collection

Note: Compare a rhinoceros horn libation cup carved with magnolia blossom from the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, illustrated by J.Chapman, The Art of the Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p.167, pl.211, where the author notes that the magnolia tree symbolises feminine sweetness and beauty. See also a related rhinoceros horn cup carved with magnolia blossom, but larger, sold at Christie's New York, 22 March 2007, lot 145.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 14 May 2009. New Bond Street www.bonhams.com