A superb carved rhinoceros horn 'horses' libation cup Qing dynasty, Kangxi period

the horn of outstanding warm golden amber tone, superbly carved with two horses within a lush river landscape with a stream flowing swiftly between flowering paulownia and swaying willow trees, one steed playfully rolled on its back upon a large boulder and below overhanging rockwork, its rear legs kicked up and tail flicked out towards the other horse standing with its head turned sharply back, gazing at a bearded groom dressed in loose robes and a rounded cap, with further paulownia and towering pine trees forming the reticulated handles and continuing over the rim to the interior

Collection of Kenyon V. Painter, Cleveland, Ohio & Arusha, Tanzania, circa 1910s-40s.
By descent to the present owners.

There are a few minor insect insect holes in the vessel, with the majority of the loss near the steed on its back near the rocks and near the handle at the rim. The insect holes are shallow and they do not penetrate through the wall. There is a one and a half inch chip on the rim polished inc A small triangular piece measuring 3/8 inches across and 5/8 inches long has been restored to the foot. It is in overall good condition
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A cup decorated with wild horses can be found in The Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, and is illustrated in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London 1999, no. 238.  Compare also a finely carved example with eight stallions amidst rocks and trees along a flowing stream, illustrated in Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, no. 168.