Lot 179. A pair of large rhinoceros horn carvings, Qing Dynasty, 19th century. Estimate 15,000 — 20,000 USD. Lot sold 30,000 USD. Photo: Sotheby's.

each conforming to the shape of the horn, densely carved with lotus flowers and stalks intertwining to form the openwork stem, the base of the horn carved in the form of a cupped lotus leaf, the horn of golden honey color darkening at the tip, (2 carved wooden stands); length 22 1/2 in., 57 cm.

Provenance: Robert Leroy Ripley of "Ripley's Believe It or Not," New York City, acquired 1938.
Earl Hodge, St. Augustine, Florida.
Muriel Hodge Manchester, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, acquired 1963.
The present owner, Denver, Colorado, acquired 1983.

Note: According to Jan Chapman in The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London., 1999, p. 73, these 'full-tip cup' decorated horns were primarily made in Canton for export to the West in the late 19th century.  Compare a smaller pair sold at Sotheby's London, 13th November 2002, lot 13. 

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, New York, 31 mars 2005