Lot 181. A rhinoceros horn 'magnolia, lingzhi and bamboo' libation cup, 17th century; 16.2cm (6 3/8in) long. Estimate £6,000 - 8,000 (€8,500 - 11,000). Sold for £ 21,250 (€ 24,267). Photo Bonhams.

The exterior of the amber-toned horn smoothly carved in relief with a delicate cluster of lingzhi springing forth from a central stem, a single sprig of bamboo and an open magnolia flower and smaller blossoms all issuing from a delicate leafy branch forming part of the openwork handle extending to the foot, the interior plain except for a ridge imitating a leaf vein. 

Provenance: an English private collection

Note: 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. 

A related rhinoceros horn libation cup sold in these rooms on 7 November 2013, lot 90.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART, 12 Nov 2015 10:00 GMT - LONDON, NEW BOND STREET