A FINELY CARVED AND RARE 'HIBISCUS' RHINOCEROS HORN LIBATION CUP MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

the body delicately and skillfully carved in the form of an open hibiscus bloom with the gently wavy petals forming the lobed rim, the base and sides wrapped with leafy branches of hibiscus and blooming and budding chrysanthemum, the openwork handle formed by the intertwining branches, set with a sinuous qilong clambering up towards the rim, the wide furled petals and pistil very well defined on the interior, embellished with a wasp crawling down from the rim, the horn of a warm golden-brown tone

There are small superficial losses to the carving, as a result of bugs - to the mouthrim visible from the exterior, there is a small loss of approx 0.2 by 0.2cm, two small losses of approx 0.1 by 0.1cm visible from the interior, and one to exterior (0.3cm down the rim) of approx 0.1 by 0.1cm. There is an approx 0.7 by 0.2cm loss, and tiny nibbles the leaf at the rim, all of which are a result of bugs. Otherwise the piece is generally in good condition overall.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Compare a similar rhinoceros horn carved in the form of a hibiscus  with bee on the interior in the Hong Kong Museum of Art Collection, illustrated in Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, cat.no. 106. 

The wasps, chrysanthemum and hibiscus can also be viewed as a pun.  Wasps, feng, is a homonyn for the word for 'confer'.  The chrysanthemum, ju hua, is a symbol of longevity.  The hibiscus flower, mufurong, is a pun for 'wealth' (fu) and 'glory' (rong).  Therefore this cup can also be seen as wish for someone to be bestowed with wealth, glory and longevity.