Lot 2177. A carved rhinoceros horn 'Prunus' libation cup, Qing dynasty, 18th century; 6 in. (15.3 cm.) wide. Estimate HKD 400,000 - HKD 600,000. Price realised HKD 800,000 © Christie's Images Ltd 2012

The cup is carved as a large open flower with overlapping petals that are detailed on the interior and curl in at the upper edges of the cup. The exterior is carved with blossoming prunus branches borne on a gnarled branch that forms the openwork foot, and with two branches undercut at one end to form the handle. The material is a dark brown tone at the base that lightens to a honey-tone around the rim.

Provenance: Acquired in Nanjing in 1921 by Justin Dupratt White, former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Cornell University, and thence by descent within the family to the present owner.