A 'magnolia and lingzhi fungus' rhinoceros horn libation cup, 18th century. Photo Bonhams.

The exterior smoothly carved with a single branch of magnolia issuing two heavy blossoms beneath the lip beside a smaller bud, the handle formed from two twisting trunks issuing leaves and a single lingzhi fungus, the foot carved as a very low circle and the interior plain. 12.9cm (5in) long. Sold for £30,000 (€35,868)

Compare a related larger rhinoceros horn 'magnolia' libation cup, early Ming Dynasty, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, Beijing, 2001, pl.110.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART. London, New Bond Street. 7 Nov 2013 - www.bonhams.com