Lot 54. A rhinoceros horn 'rocky landscape' libation cup, 17th-18th century. Estimate HK$100,000 - 150,000 (US$13,000 - 19,000 ). Sold for HK$ 1,500,000 (€162,460). Photo: Bonhams.

Provenance: Christie's London, South Kensington, 11 June 1998, lot 364
A Hong Kong private collection

Note: The present lot is remarkable for the masterful carving incorporating the harmonious mountainous landscape into the rhinoceros horn, successfully rendering the multi-layered carving from the swirling stream to the naturalistic gnarled branches and craggy overhanging cliffs. 

For related examples of rhinoceros horn libation cups with the craggy cliffs executed in a similar manner, compare with one in the collection of Harvard University Art Museum, illustrated by T.Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, pl.131, and another in the Hong Kong Museum of Art, pl.143; see also an example formerly in the Edward and Franklin Chow Collection, in the Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore, illustrated by J.Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p.238, pl.345.

See a related rhinoceros horn 'river landscape' libation cup, by Sheng Fugong, 17th century, which was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 8 October 2013, lot 3153.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 28 Nov 2017, 14:00 HKT -HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY