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

The flared sides rising to an oval mouth and raised on a waisted foot, carved around the exterior with a band of taotie masks reserved on leiwen grounds below a band of 'C'-scrolls interspersed by small roundels, the openwork handle surmounted with several chilong clambering up and down, with one crawling over the rim and peering into the interior, the interior of the mouth rim encircled with a narrow key-fret border, the horn ranging from dark caramel to paler honey tones; 5¾ in. (14.6 cm.) wide. Estimate £60,000 - £80,000. Price Realized £121,250.

明末／清初   十七世紀   犀角雕饕餮紋龍盃     5¾ in. (14.6 cm.) wide

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