A rhinoceros horn Lotus Leaf form cup, 18th century. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd 2012   

Thick-walled and shown in the shape of a large open lotus leaf well carved in high relief around the sides with a crab, a snail, water weeds, a lotus pod and another lotus leaf, as well as a large lotus blossom that forms part of the base along with some of the stems that rise up one end to form the openwork handle that continues to the rim where another small snail is shown beside the bundled ends of water grasses, the horn of honey color with some black markings in the base of the interior; 5½ in. (14 cm.) diam., wood stand. Estimate $60,000 - $80,000

清十八世紀 犀角雕荷塘螃蟹紋盃

Provenance: Acquired in the 1930s-40s by Frederick T. and Pauline M. (née Mrazek) Becks, and gifted to her niece, Ms. Grace (née Mrazek) Thompson, in the early 1950s-60s; thence by descent within the family to the present owner. 

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art (Part I) , 22 - 23 March 2012 , New York, Rockefeller Plaza