A rhinoceros horn 'chilong and flowers' libation cup, 17th-18th century. Photo Bonhams.

The horn of dark amber tone and carved with one single-horned chilong with a spray of lingzhi fungus in its mouth balancing between a magnolia bud and a lotus leaf issuing from twisting stems gripped by another chilong forming the stem of the cup, the interior plain. 11.5cm (4¼in) high. Sold for £40,000 (€47,824)

Provenance: a German private collection

The original form of the rhinoceros horn of the present libation cup has been well preserved and cleverly sculpted utilising the tip to create the form of a chi dragon clambering atop the leafy and fruiting spray. Compare a related rhinoceros horn libation cup, late 17th century, illustrated by T.Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, pl.29.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART. London, New Bond Street. 7 Nov 2013 - www.bonhams.com