A Chinese rhinoceros horn libation cup, 17th 18th Century. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010

The flaring sides carved around the exterior with three scholars seated in a mountainous river landscape strewn with pagoda's and a bridge, the handle formed by the trunk of a gnarled pine tree extending into the interior of the cup, small chips; 10.5 cm. high, 15 cm. wide, wood stand - Estimate €20,000 - €30,000  Price Realized  €151,000

Notes: The rhinoceros horn is considered as one of the 'Eight Precious' symbols. It was known to the Chinese for its power to detect poison which resulted in the creation of these specific food and drink vessels.
Similar rhinoceros horns carved with landscapes and figures can be found in Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings - The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 2002. See especially the horn illustrated in pl.145: the shape, colour and landscape patterns are very much alike to the present lot.

Christie's. European Noble and Private Collections incl. Fine Paintings,14 - 16 December 2010, Amsterdam www.christies.com