A fine rhinoceros horn cup, 17th-18th century. Photo Bonhams

Crisply carved around the leaf-veined flaring bowl on the exterior with long curling leaves and branches of plum blossom, millet and lotus, the handle as two tied stalks. 14cm (5½in) long Lot 223^Y. Estimate: £100,000 - 150,000 / CNY 1.0 million - 1.5 million / HK$ 1.2 million - 1.8 million

Compare a related rhinoceros horn 'lotus and fish' libation cup, 17th century, similarly carved with the lotus stalks forming the handle at the side of the curling and flaring lotus leaf cup, illustrated by T.Fok in Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, pl.93.

Bonhams. 17 May 2012 10 a.m. London, New Bond Street. Fine Chinese Art