Finely carved to the exterior with a band of trefoil diaper ground beneath a key-fret border on the rim, the handle formed by inverted volutes and a stylised mythical beast climbing up one side and biting the rim.

Provenance:  A related archaistic rhinoceros horn libation cup is illustrated by J.Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p.149, pl.175. 

Compare with a related archaistic rhinoceros horn libation cup, 17th/18th century, which was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 2 June 2016, lot 32. 

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