Lot 264. A rhinoceros horn 'lotus pod' libation cup, 17th-18th century, 9.8cm (3 7/8in) long. Estimate £4,000 - 6,000 (€4,700 - 7,100). Photo: Bonhams.

Carved in the shape of five overlapping lotus petals with a lotus pod at one end, the exterior carved with long leafy stems of narcissus, wrapped with a small lotus leaf forming the base.

Provenance: an English private collection, and thence by descent 

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

Compare with a related rhinoceros horn 'lotus-leaf' libation cup, 18th century, which was sold in these rooms, 12 November 2015, lot 182.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART, 11 May 2017, 11:00 BST, LONDON, NEW BOND STREET