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

Well carved in the interior and on the exterior as a large lotus leaf, the exterior with leafy flowering and fruiting branches of lychee, peach and sweet flag in relief, each lychee finely detailed with incised lines simulating the fruit's skin, the handle formed by a sinuous chilong among gnarled branches issuing lotus blooms and pods, with a long mane and bifurcated tail, detailed peering over the rim into the interior and grasping a branch of pomegranates in its mouth, with two further chilong to the interior, the horn of an attractive dark reddish-brown tone: 8¼ in. (21 cm.) wide. Estimate £150,000 - £250,000. Price Realized £385,250

明末／清初   十七世紀   犀角雕花果螭龍紋盃

Notes: Rhinoceros horn libation cups with the combination of lychee, peach, and pomegranate are unusual and more rare than those with either just lychee or peach motifs.

The lychee fruit, lizhi in Chinese, is an auspicious motif as it is both a homophone for 'establishing a son' and a pun for 'clever'. Pomegranates are also regarded as wishes for progeny and numerous sons. Peaches are well known as symbols of longevity and are believed to be fruits of immortality. This libation cup therefore displays a wealth of auspicious wishes.

Christie's. Important Rhinoceros Horn and Jade Carvings From A Distinguished European Collection, 8 November 2011, London, King Street www.christies.com