A rare signed and inscribed rhinoceros horn ear cup, signed Bao Tiancheng, 17th-18th century. © Christie's Image 2003

The translucent horn simply and elegantly carved in imitation of Han dynasty prototypes made from other materials, raised on a rounded rectangular foot, the base finely inscribed in seal script with a lengthy inscription and the seal of Bao Tiancheng - 5 1/8in. (13cm.) long, elaborate wood stand, two boxes - Lot 75. Estimate $50,000 - $70,000. Price Realized $59,750 

Notes: The inscription may be translated, 'Collecting rhinoceros horns from India, these are hollowed out, ground, incised and made into wine/ear cups. The piece is in the Han style, and as if naturally formed. Spreading fragrance, it chases away evil and cures poison. What a wonderful treasure'. Signed Bao Tiancheng.
Two cups of this form, both carved with an inscription, are illustrated by T. Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, nos. 54 and 58. The first, in the collection of the author, bears the signature of You Kan; the second, in the collection of Mrs. Angela Lau, bears the seal of Bao Tiancheng, like the present example.

Another cup of this form carved in relief with an inscription signed Bao Tiancheng was sold in these rooms, 19 September 1996, lot 344.
The inscriptions on the above-cited cups and the present example all refer to antiquity or the Han dynasty. 

CHRISTIE'S. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 18 September 2003, New York, Rockefeller Plaza