A rhinoceros horn 'leaf' libation cup, 18th century. Photo Bonhams.

The warm, reddish-brown toned horn intricately carved as a spreading serrated-edged leaf with fine naturalistic veining on the interior, the exterior further carved with two fine smooth stems forming the handle and issuing rounded buds and further veined leaves. 14.1cm (5½in) long. Estimate £5,000 - 8,000 (€6,100 - 9,700)

Provenance: an English private collection

Compare a carved libation cup from the Chester Beatty Library collection illustrated by J.Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p.173, pl.224, and another cup with similar fine veins on the interior, from the Gerard Levy collection, illustrated op.cit. p.105, pl.95. An earlier 17th century example of a libation cup, also carved in the shape of a leaf with fine veins, is illustrated by T.Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, no.93.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART. London, New Bond Street, 15 May 2014 - www.bonhams.com