Lot 3. A rhinoceros horn 'Buddha's hand' libation cup, Qing dynasty, Kangxi period (1662-1722); 14.5cm., 5 3/4 in. Estimate 10,000 — 15,000 GBP. Lot sold 31,200 GBP. Photo: Sotheby's.

of deep U-shape with widely flaring rim,  the reddish-brown horn naturalistically carved as a tree trunk and in high relief around the exterior with leafy boughs laden with fruiting finger citrons, the gnarled vines creating the handle at one end and creeping over the rim into the interior of the vessel.

Note: The finger citron (citrus medica) is a motif rarely found on rhinoceros horn carvings and more commonly appears in combination with other symbolic plants. See a cup shaped as a basket with gnarled branches of finger citron and fruiting lichee similarly extending from the interior on to the sides, sold in our New York rooms, 23rd April 1987, lot 278.