Rhinoceros horn, China, 17th-18th century. Photo courtesy Auctionata.

Fine open work carving. Appealing color. Beautiful translucence. Matching open work wooden base. Height (with base): 14 cm. Good condition. Estimate €24,000 – €30,000

Provenance: from an Austrian private collection

An extraordinary cup with fine open work decoration; a similar piece fetched over 142,000 Euros at Christie’s New York in 2011

This exquisite rhinoceros horn libation cup dates to the 17th or 18th century. It is carved as a large camellia blossom borne on a branch forming the open work base and handle trailing into the interior. The latter shows the finely detailed flower petals. The sides are carved with further prunus blossoms, bamboo branches and a pine tree. These plants are known as ‘The Three Friends of Winter’, also called Suihan Sanyou, in Chinese culture. Together they symbolize perseverance and resilience. The precious material shows a wonderful translucence, especially visible along the finely carved elements, and the color changes from a matt, dark brown along the base to an iridescent light brown along the upper rim. The cup rests on a matching open work wooden base carved with a similar plum blossom decor. In ancient China, cups of this kind were believed to be harbingers of good fortune and the precious, ornately carved vessels were popular wedding presents.

The libation cup is in good condition with minor wear consistent with age. There is a small crack to the rim and minor material loss here and there. The stand shows a breakage to the open work. Including the base the height is 14 cm, the cup measures 9 cm in height.

Auctionata. Fine Asian Art. March 28. Kurfurstendamm 212, Berlin, 10719 Germany. www.liveauctioneers.com