Note: The present cup appears to have been inspired by animal-shaped cups carved from rhinoceros horn; see for example one similarly modelled as a deer, sold in our London rooms, 12th November 1974, lot 134, and again at Christie’s Hong Kong, 1st June 2011, lot 3755, from the collection of Dr. Jo Evy, and illustrated in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pl. 57. See also another Wanli reign-marked example in the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat collection, previously sold in these rooms, 25th November 1987, lot 490. 

Sotheby’s. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 08 oct. 2014, 03:00 PM