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

Of flared quatrefoil form rising from a tall slightly splayed foot encircled with a key-fret band, well-carved to the mid-section of each side with stylised monster masks, detailed with curled horns and reserved on a leiwen ground, between bands of confronting stylised mythical beasts and key-fret borders encircling the mouth and foot rims, interrupted on one side with several clambering chilong with bifurcated tails and sharp claws, the openwork handle formed by further sinuous chilong, with three crawling up and peering over the rim into the interior above a further chilong in low relief, the horn of a dark reddish-brown tone. 6¾ in. (17.2 cm.) wide. Estimate £100,000 - £150,000. Price Realized £277,250

明末／清初   十七世紀   犀角雕螭龍花棱形盃     6¾ in. (17.2 cm.) wide

Notes: Modelled in the form of an archaic bronze ritual vessel and with boldly carved spirited chilongs, this impressive libation cup is a fine example of the level of skill and expertise carvers possesed. Compare with a Ming dynasty rhinoceros horn libation cup of similar form with with nine dragons sold in these rooms, 10 May 2011, lot 13; another sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 31 May 2010, lot 1804; and another in the collection of the late Dr. Ip Yee, is illustrated by Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p. 130, no. 135.

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