The smoothly-polished horn richly grained and of caramel tone turning darker at the tip, the interior carved in high relief with a sinuous chilong clambering up to the rim.

Provenance:  an important European private collection

Note: The master carver intentionally contrasted the seemingly simplistic yet elegant uncarved exterior with the powerful high-relief carved chilong in the interior, allowing the beholder to admire the richness of the horn before turning to appreciate the craftsman's skilful carving, achieving powerful elegance. 

For an undecorated rhinoceros horn vessel, see J.Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p.146, pl.170; another plain rhinoceros horn libation cup, 17th century, is illustrated by T.Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, pl.65, and was later sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 8 April 2011, lot 2706.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART, 11 May 2017, 11:00 BST, LONDON, NEW BOND STREET