A FINE RHINOCEROS HORN LIBATION CUP QING DYNASTY, 18/19TH CENTURY

the horn finely and profusely carved around the exterior with scholars engaged in leisurely pursuits, all within a landscape of jagged rocks, waterfalls and old gnarled pine trees, two large trees extending from the base of the vessel to the rim forming a handle, the interior carved with jagged rocks and branches of pine, the horn stained a dark chocolate tone 

The horn of a darker `red' tone almost `burgundy' under torch light than the catalogue photo suggests. Small area lost to one pine branch, approx 5mm., small chip to footrim, 1.5cm., otherwise a good example.
"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."

Rhinoceros horn carvings of this rich dark tone, as seen on the present libation cup, became fashionable during the 18th and 19th century in China. Jan Chapman in The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p. 62, notes that carvings of matt black were especially noticeable on many larger-sized rhinoceros horn cups that were stained to achieve this colour effect. She further mentions that pine soot and squid ink were used for black dye. For an example of a rhinoceros horn carving dyed a deep black see ibid., p. 62, pl. 32 (right).