A finely carved rhinoceros horn 'scholar' libation cup Qing dynasty, 18th century

of typical elongated tapering form and oval section, finely carved to the exterior with a river landscape scene, depicting a scholar seated in a boat with two boys, pointing towards a bird in flight as the students observe in compliance, accompanied by an attendant navigating the flowing river set amidst a dense forest of pine and paulownia trees below overhanging rock cliffs partially enshrouded by misty clouds, with a further tall pine and paulownia tree extending over the edge of the rim onto the interior to form the handle, the horn of golden honey tone

This cup has two insect holes on opposite ends of the bottom of the interior, one approximately 3/4 inch wide and the other 1/4 inch wide. There is 1/2 inch hole penetrating through the wall located on the side opposite the handle near the rim, that has been filled-in with wax. The exterior surface with contained areas that appear to have been bored or nibbled by an insect, the largest one approximately 1/2 inch wide. The foot with a 1.5 x 1 inch restored piece, which may be contemporary to the carving. There are two minute chips to the carving.
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.

Compare several rhinoceros horn cups similarly carved with boating scenes, illustrated in Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, nos. 130, 132, and 133.