Lot 3704. A finely carved rhinoceros horn 'Lotus leaf' libation cup, 17th century, 14.7 cm, 5 7/8  in. Estimate 600,000 — 800,000. Lot sold 2,500,000 HKD. Photo: Sotheby's.

modelled in the form of a finely veined lotus leaf, the exterior carved with a leafy millet spray on one side and a broad, downward folded leaf with furled edges on another, set on one side with an openwork handle formed from intertwining stems issuing a lotus flower, extended to the base as a further bloom maturing to a pod bursting with seeds, the interior worked in high relief with a crab clutching a millet spray in its claw, two small conch shells and a mentis, the horn patinated to a warm reddish caramel tone, wood stand.

Provenance: The Songzhutang Collection.
Christie's Hong Kong, 27th May 2008, lot 1703.

Exhibited: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth: Gems of Antiquities Collection in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 2002-2005.