Lot 106. A rhinoceros horn libation cup, 17th-18th century; 6 5/8 in. (16.8 cm.) long. Estimate $12,000 - $18,000. Price Realized $43,750. © Christie's Image Ltd 2008

Carved as a large open leaf issuing from a jagged branch curled around to form the stem and base, and from which two smaller leafy branches emerge laden with ripe peaches and pomegranates which continue into the interior, opposite a large chilong which pulls itself up to the rim of the cup from the far side, wood stand.

Lot 107. A rhinoceros horn libation cup, 18th century; 5 in. (12.7 cm.) long. Estimate $22,000 - $28,000. Price Realized $27,500. © Christie's Image Ltd 2008

Of flared form, deeply carved on the exterior with plum blossoms, pine boughs and bamboo forming the 'Three Friends of Winter,' issuing from twisted branches forming the base and handle.

Provenance: Christie's, London, 7 November 2006, lot 46. 

Notes: The decoration on this rhinoceros horn libation cup, pine, prunus and bamboo, known as the 'Three Friends of Winter', symbolizes the strength, purity and uprightness of the cultivated gentleman, and is a common decoration found in Chinese art. 

Lot 109. A small rhinoceros horn libation cup, 17th-18th century; 4 7/16 in. (11.2 cm.) long. Estimate $20,000 - $25,000. Price Realized $25,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2008

Of conical form, carved as a lotus leaf with a curled rim and incised veins, the base formed by a snail and lotus flower, its tied, leafy branches forming the handle.

Lot 105. A small rhinoceros horn quatrefoil dish, 18th century; 2 13/16 in. (7 cm.) long, box. Estimate $5,000 - $7,000. Price Realized $13,750. © Christie's Image Ltd 2008

Carved with smooth, shallow lobed sides around a recessed well, raised on a short, thick foot of conforming shape encircling three characters reading shu xiang ge (Pavilion of Fragrant Books) written in seal script within an oval cartouche, the horn of brownish-honey tone with some black inclusions.

Lot 104. An unusual small rhinoceros horn oval cup, 17th century;2 5/16 in. (5.9 cm.) high, box. Estimate $3,000 - $4,000. Price Realized $8,750. © Christie's Image Ltd 2008

With deep sides flaring from the countersunk base which is carved with the seal Bo Hong within a recessed square

Notes: Works bearing the seal of the artist Bo Hong appear to be exceedingly rare. See J. Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pp. 124-5, where the author illustrates the seal of Bo Hong on an archaistic rhinoceros horn libation cup in the Museum Voor Volkenkunde, Rotterdam, and notes that it is the only known example by the artist. 

Christie's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART. 17 September 2008, New York, Rockefeller Plaza