Lot 183. A fine rhinoceros horn 'magnolia' libation cup, 18th century. Estimate £35,000 - 40,000 (€49,000 - 56,000).Unsold . Photo Bonhams.

The cup naturalistically carved as an open magnolia blossom with overlapping petals, borne on openwork gnarled leafy stalks clambering over to the sides to form the handle and issuing further smaller buds and foliage around the exterior. 12.3cm (4 7/8in) long

Provenance: a distinguished European private collection

Notes: Once a flower highly favoured by the Chinese emperors, the magnolia was bestowed upon those who had gained a special favour at court. 

A similar example sold in our San Francisco rooms on 23 June 2015, lot 7091

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