Lot 369. A 'four-dragon' rhinoceros horn libation cup, Qing dynasty, Kangxi Period (1662-1722); 5 in., 12.7 cm. Estimate 30,000 - 40,000 USD. Lot sold 72,000 USD. Photo: Sotheby's.

finely carved with flaring barbed foliate sides rising from a tall conforming foot forming a shallow cup, carved on the exterior in low relief with a central band of scrolling lotus, the handle formed by four high-relief intertwining qilong, two peeking their heads over the rim of the cup to snatch the lingzhi sprigs on the interior, all between keyfret borders encircling the foot and mouth, the horn of deep, dark chestnut tone.

Note: finely carved with flaring barbed foliate sides rising from a tall conforming foot forming a shallow cup, carved on the exterior in low relief with a central band of scrolling lotus, the handle formed by four high-relief intertwining qilong, two peeking their heads over the rim of the cup to snatch the lingzhi sprigs on the interior, all between keyfret borders encircling the foot and mouth, the horn of deep, dark chestnut tone.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, including Property from the Collection of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, New York, 19-20 march 2007