Lot 182. A rhinoceros horn 'lotus-leaf' libation cup, 18th century; 8cm (3 1/8in) long. Estimate £3,000 - 5,000 (€4,200 - 7,100). Sold for £ 12,500 (€ 14,275). Photo Bonhams.

The delicate cup carved as a spreading lotus leaf, incised on the interior with the leaf veins and supported on the exterior by two small spiralling shells and a twisting stalk issuing miniature prunus blossoms, wood stand. 

Provenance: an English private collection

Note: The lotus, one of the Eight Buddhist Emblems, bajixiang, is a homophone with he 和, meaning harmony and lian 連, meaning continuation. Representing purity and aspiration, the lotus also conveys auspicious symbolism of fertility, for their multitude of petals, leaves, and seeds.

A related rhinoceros horn libation cup sold in our San Francisco rooms on 16 December 2014, lot 8264.

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