Lot 1690. A rhinoceros horn cup, 17th-18th century, 6 5/8 in. (16.7 cm.) long. Estimate USD 80,000 - USD 120,000. Price realised USD 170,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2012

In the form of an open blossom carved in high relief around the sides with pairs of birds shown amidst rocks, including a pair of phoenixes on one side and a pair of cranes on the reverse, one in flight above the other and the tips of their beaks touching, with bamboo and a prunus branch rising from behind the rocks at one end to flank a pair of small birds, while another pair of birds perches in the two fruiting peach trees that form the handle at the opposite end, the horn of rich honey color, stand.

Provenance: Acquired in New York City in the early 20th century. 

Property from the collection of Robert and Adolf Hentschel.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art (Part I), 22 - 23 March 2012, New York