Lot 4. A rhinoceros horn 'Squirrel and grapevine' libation cup, Qing dynasty, Kangxi period (1662-1722); 15.5cm. 6 1/8 in. Estimate 10,000 — 15,000 GBP. Lot sold 12,000 GBP. Photo: Sotheby's.

of deep U-shape with widely flaring rim, the dark reddish-brown horn carved in high-relief around the exterior with leafy fruiting grapevine and to one side with a large bushy-tailed squirrel, with the gnarled vines creating the handle at one end, the interior with overlapping leaves and a large bunch of grapes falling over the rim into the vessel.

Note: For another example see a cup in the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, illustrated in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pl. 243. See also a cup carved with grapes, from the estate of Cyrus Jasperse, sold in our New York rooms, 13th June 1979, lot 133; and another sold in these rooms, 5th June 1981, lot 135.

The 'squirrel and grapes' motif was especially popular in the Ming and Qing dynasties and can be found on ceramics and other works of art. It is a rebus for long life and many generations of sons and grandsons.