.Lot 2166. A small rhinoceros horn lotus leaf-form cup, Late Ming-early Qing dynasty, 17th century; 3 1/8 in. (8 cm.) long. Estimate HKD 300,000 - HKD 500,000. Price realised HKD 375,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2012

The small cup is in the form of a lotus leaf with deep lobed sides rising to an irregular-shaped rim. The exterior is carved with Y-shaped veins dividing the lobes, and a chilong with long bifurcated tail in high relief coiling around the long stem. The material is of a light caramel colour darkening at the core.

Provenance: Acquired in New York, circa 1990.

Christie's. Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 28 November 2012, Hong Kong