A rhinoceros horn libation cup. 17th-18th century.

Crisply carved in high relief around the exterior with pairs of ducks beneath the lip on a pond, and larger pairs of cranes on the sides, the ends with the handle formed as a double leafy pine trunk. 13.5cm (5 5/8in) long. Estimate: £30,000 - 50,000, HKD 380,000 - 630,000, $ 49,000 - 82,000

Provenance: a British private collection

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

Carved as a simple scoop with a pointed end, all resembling a plain magnolia flower issuing from a tied cluster of four stems and small buds forming the handle and underside. 18cm (7in) wide. Estimate: £15,000 - 20,000, HKD 190,000 - 250,000, $ 24,000 - 33,000

Provenance: acquired by a member of the family, a lieutenant in the British Royal Navy, whilst in China surveying rivers in the south of the country, circa 1810-12
A private collection, Co. Wexford, Ireland, 1880s-1960s, and thence by descent to family members in England.

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

Of lobed oval shallow form, carved around the body with a band of crisp shallow-relief taotie masks, the plain loop handle surrounded by four small coiling dragons clambering over the rim. 14cm (5½in) long. Estimate: £12,000 - 15,000, HKD 150,000 - 190,000, $ 20,000 - 24,000

Provenance: acquired in China in the late 19th century
Given to the mother-in-law of the present owner
A Scottish private collection

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 12 May 2011, New Bond Street www.bonhams.com