Lot 1718. A very rare carved rhinoceros horn chilong libation cup, Ming dynasty, early 17th century; 5 7/8in. (15 cm.) across, wood stand. Estimate HKD 400,000 - HKD 600,000. Price Realized HK$511,500 ($65,832). © Christie's Images Ltd 2008

Finely carved as a deep lotus leaf rising from a wave base with seven powerful coiling, two-clawed chilong of various sizes clambering around the sides and emerging from turbulent waves encircling the base, with a further two forming the handle, one side with later-added collector's inscription Dingren, the material of rich honey tone, box. Weight: 9.1 oz. (259 gm.) 

Literature: T. Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, p. 50, no. 3

Exhibited: Hong Kong Museum of Art, Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth: Gems of Antiquities Collection in Hong Kong, 2002-2005

Note: Previously sold at Christie's New York, 23 March 1995, lot 136

Christie's Hong Kong. Important Chinese Rhinoceros Horn Carvings from the Songzhutang Collection. 27 May 2008