Lot 3786. A rhinoceros horn 'lotus and egrets' libation cup, Qing dynasty, 18th century; 11.4 cm., 4 1/2  in. Estimate 400,000 — 600,000 HKD. Lot Sold 875,000 HKD. Photo: Sotheby’s.

finely carved in the form of a pine tree trunk, the exterior carved in high relief with gnarled knots of the bark, the openwork handle formed by intertwining branches bearing clusters of pine blossoms extending onto the interior of the cup overhanging from the backrim, the surface with a lustrous dark chestnut tone, wood stand.