Lot 1770. A rare white-glazed archaistic 'libation' cup, Qianlong period (1736-1795); 4½ in. (11.5 cm.) high. Estimate USD 7,000 - USD 9,000. Price realised USD 20,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2011. 

Made in imitation of archaistic rhinoceros horn cups, and of rectangular section, with a raised band of simplified taotie masks around the waist and bands of stiff leaves incised on the pedestal foot and upper body which is applied with four small chilong, the openwork handle formed by five further chilong of varying sizes climbing towards the rim, covered overall with a pale blue green-tinted white glaze.

Note: Compare a cup in the Walters Collection, Baltimore, of very similar shape and design, but with the chilong handle decorated in colored enamels and possibly gilding, illustrated by S. Bushell in Oriental Ceramic Art, New York, reprint 1980, p. 213, fig. 278. Compare, also, the similar cup with puce-enameled handle, sold in our London rooms, 12 November 2002, lot 58.

This and the aforementioned cups were probably inspired by similarly decorated rhinoceros horn cups of related shape, such as the example from the collection of the late Dr. Ip Yee, illustrated by J. Chapman in The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p. 130, no. 135.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Part I and Part II Including Property from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, New York, 24 March 2011