A fine carved rhinoceros horn libation cup, 17th century. Photo Bonhams

Of irregular oval silhouette, intricately carved with a leiwen band bordering the interior and exterior rim that runs beneath and below four qilin climbing over from the exterior walls banded with a toatie design on a leiwen ground while a fifth qilin lurks beneath the spout opposing the curving strap handle, the slightly recessed base surrounded by a narrow foot pad and the lustrous polished surfaces throughout exhibiting a rich chocolate brown hue. 4in (10cm) high; 7 1/4in (18.5cm) long - Sold for US$194,500

Bonhams. Fine Asian Works of Art, 20 Dec 2011. California, San Francisco www.bonhams.com