A fine rhinoceros horn libation cup, 17th-18th century. photo Bonhams

Well carved as a large open flower with overlapping petals, the exterior carved with high relief with prunus and magnolia blossoms borne on intertwining branches rising from the openwork base, rising up to form the handle on one side, with a chilong clambering up over the rim and clutching a prunus branch in its jaws, the horn of a rich honey tone. 11.5cm (4½in) wide. Estimate: £35,000 - 45,000, HK$410,000 - 530,000

Footnote: Compare related rhinoceros horn cups finely carved with prunus blossom design, one also with a chilong dragon, illustrated in J.Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pls.200, 214-215 and 315.

A rhinoceros horn libation cup, 17th-18th century. photo Bonhams

The tapering cup carved in high relief around the sides and base with gnarled pine branches, some extending over the rim into the interior, with a larger, twisted branch forming the loop handle, carved wood stand. 13.5cm (5½in) (2). Estimate: £4,000 - 6,000, HK$47,000 - 71,000

Provenance: according to the family, purchased by Paul Lauder in Asia circa 1934, and thence by descent

Compare a related rhinoceros horn cup well carved with gnarled pine branches and needles, from the Thomas Fok collection, New York, illustrated in J.Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pl.152.

A small silver-mounted rhinoceros horn cup, 17th century. photo Bonhams

The cylindrical beaker rising from a slightly splayed foot ring, carved around the exterior in high relief with two striding chilong dragons, and a third clambering up the straight handle over the rim, incised at the foot and mouth with key-fret diaper borders, the interior mounted in silver. 5.6cm (2¼in) high. Estimate: £3,000 - 5,000, HK$35,000 - 59,000

Bonhams.  Fine Chinese Art, 13 May 2010. New Bond Street www.bonhams.com