Lot 58. A very rare rhinoceros horn 'Buffalo head' rhyton, 17th-18th century; 4¼ in. (11 cm.) high. Estimate GBP 20,000 - GBP 30,000. Price realised GBP 25,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2010.

The vessel with thick walls, the exterior finely and naturalistically carved in the form of a buffalo's head with short horns and pierced nostrils, the horn of a warm honey tone.

Note: Compare the very similar 'buffalo head' rhyton from the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, The Avery Brundage Collection (868M19) illustrated by Jan Chapman in The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, no 45 p. 77. See also another very similar rhyton from the Arnhold Collection, São Paulo, Brazil, ibid., no. 46, p. 77. 

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, London, 11 May 2010