A small rhinoceros horn libation cup.  17th-18th century. Photo Christie's Image Ltd, 2011

Carved in naturalistic form, the base with a stylised rockwork design below an elongated tapering tip, the horn of a deep toffee tone; 5 1/8 in. (13 cm.) high. Estimate £20,000 - £30,000. Price Realized £169,250

明末／清初   十七／十八世紀   犀角雕內鳥紋盃

Notes: A comparable rhinoceros horn cup, also carved to the interior with a bird motif, is in the collection of Mr. Chun-hung Li, illustrated in Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, p. 105, no. 57.

Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 8 November 2011; London, King Street www.christies.com