Lot 153. A rare rhinoceros horn 'chilong and whirlpool' libation cup, 18th century. Estimate GBP 15,000 ～ 20,000. Sold for £43,750 (€49,507). Courtesy Bonhams.

The well-hollowed vessel finely incised on the base with a spiraling whirlpool with surging waves stretching outward, with a writhing chilong with bifurcated tail clambering on the exterior avoiding the waves. 16.5cm (6 1/2in) long.

Provenance: an important European private collection.

Published and Illustrated: J.Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p.105, pl.96.

Note: J.Chapman noted the unique shape of the present lot, which might have served as a tea scoop. The keratin fibres run along the full length of the vessel rather than vertically as would have been the case if the object had been carved from the 'well' of the horn, suggesting that the present lot was carved from the wall of the horn. 

The libation cup is masterfully carved successfully transforming the horn into a naturalistic curled lotus leaf form. The quality of the horn and elegant shape dominate the cup, left entirely plain except for the high relief carving of the chidragon and low relief whirlpool adorning the one short side and the underside.

Compare a related 'lotus leaf' rhinoceros horn libation cup, 17th century, which was sold by Christie's London, 11 July 2006, lot 42; and see also another rhinoceros horn 'lotus leaf' libation cup, 17th/18th century, which was sold at Christie's London, 15 May 2007, lot 48.