Lot 105. A rhinoceros horn 'chilong' libation cup, 17th-18th century. Sold for £17,500 (€22,850). Photo Bonhams.

Skilfully carved in the form of a lotus leaf finely detailed with y-shaped veins, the exterior decorated in relief with three sinuous chilong with bifurcated tails, variously writhing, clambering and emerging from a ground of breaking waves wrapping the foot and extending to the base. 12cm (4 7/8in) wide

Provenance: a European private collection, acquired between 1960-70, and thence by descent

Note: Finely carved with chilong dragons rising above crashing waves, the cup yields an impressive evocation of the Emperor's majestic and benevolent rule. Capable of flying high in the sky and diving back in the sea, dragons were, since the earliest phases of Chinese history, empowered with supernatural, auspicious powers that mirrored those of the ruler, master of all under heaven and centre of the universe. A related cup, from the collection of Thomas Fok is illustrated in Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, p.50, pl.3. Another, dated to the 17th century, was sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 8 April 2011, lot 2709.

Bonhams. AUCTION 23237: FINE CHINESE ART, LONDON, NEW BOND STREET