A fine rhinoceros horn libation cup, 17th-18th century. Photo Bonhams.

Of tapering form rising to the everted rim, naturalistically carved as a gnarled tree trunk with irregular knots, cavities and branches, the base carved with the four character seal mark. 14.2cm (5 5/8in) long. Estimate £25,000 - 35,000 (€30,000 - 43,000)

The Northern Song dynasty Emperor, Huizong reigned from 1101 to 1126 AD and the name Xuanhe is one of the reign names used by him from 1119 to 1126 AD. As noted by J. Chapman in The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p.218, the Emperor was known for his love of art. It is therefore possible that the seal on the present lot as well as a number of other rhinoceros horn libation cups bearing the Xuanhe seal mark, was carved as a mark of quality given the Northern Song dynasty's collecting fame. This phenomenon is perhaps comparable to the case of the many cloisonné enamel vessels bearing Jingtai reign marks but clearly of a later period, produced both in the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Libation cups bearing this seal mark can be found in important museum collections including the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, the Ӧstasiatiske Museet, Stockholm, and the Arthur M. Sackler Museum Harvard Univerity, Cambridge Mass. Compare related naturalistically carved libation cups and bowls with a Xuanhe seal mark, illustrated ibid, pls.306-316.

A rhinoceros horn libation cup, 17th/18th century, with Xuanhe seal mark, carved with chilong, was sold at Christie's New York, 22-23 March 2012, lot 1691. See also another example, 17th century, sold at Christie's Paris on 16 June 2009, lot 130.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART. London, New Bond Street, 15 May 2014 - www.bonhams.com