A rhinoceros horn 'prunus' libation cup, 17th-18th century. Photo Bonhams.

The horn of rich, dark amber tone and finely carved on the exterior with two fork-tailed birds swooping in flight beside a flowering prunus branch with a twisted trunk forming the handle of the cup, the flowers and leaves reaching into the smoothly carved interior. 16cm (6¼in) long. Estimate £15,000 - 20,000 (€18,000 - 24,000)

Provenance: an English private collection

The present lot is particularly finely and vividly carved, in a style typically associated with early Qing scholarly pieces. Compare for example a swallow and begonia design cup, dated to the 17th century, illustrated by T.Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, no.94, and ibid., no.120 with applied floral citrus leaf design on one side. Another related example from the collection of the Chester Beatty Library is illustrated by J.Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p.185, pl.248.

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