Lot 154. A rare rhinoceros horn 'prunus' libation cup, 18th century. Estimate GBP 15,000 ～8,000. Sold for £47,500 (€53,751). Courtesy Bonhams.

Provenance: an important European private collection.

Published and Illustrated: J.Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p.158, pl.195.

Note: The rare aspect of the present lot is its mixture of archaic and floral designs. J.Chapman commented that this cup comes under the rare category of 'archaistic-combination' for combining the archaic form with the carved prunus blossom branch.

A related rhinoceros horn libation cup, with similar design of 'earth diaper' pattern, but lobed and adorned with a chilong handle, 18th century, was sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 8 April 2014, lot 3021; and see also a related rhinoceros horn octagonal libation cup, 17th century, similarly carved with 'earth diaper' medallions, which was sold at Christie's London, 8 November 2011, lot 14.

A carved rhinoceros horn 'Dragon and Lotus' cup, Qing dynasty, 18th century. Sold for 1,180,000 HKD at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 8 April 2014, lot 3021. Photo Sotheby's

Cf. my post: A carved rhinoceros horn 'Dragon and Lotus' cup, Qing dynasty, 18th century

A rhinoceros horn octogonal libation cup, 17th century. 4½ in. (11.4 cm.) wide. Sold for 61,250 GBP at Christie's London, 8 November 2011, lot 14. © Christies Images Ltd 2017

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART, 9 Nov 2017, 10:30 GMT - LONDON, NEW BOND STREET