A rare rhinoceros horn cup. 18th-19th Century

Of gently curving profile, depicting a raft coursing through finely detailed waves and tree branches, the wider end possibly presenting Zhang Qian, the famous Han Dynasty explorer, seated on a bench reading a book beneath openwork decoration, a fly-whisk resting on his lap, the narrow end fluted and hollowed; the horn of deep opaque chestnut color graduating to a semi-translucent honey tone; with a matching wood stand in wave patterns. 13 12/in (34.3cm) long - Estimate: $60,000 - 80,000

Bonhams. Fine Asian Works of Art, 29 Jun 2009. 220 San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco www.bonhams.com