A carved rhinoceros horn libation cup Qing dynasty, 19th Century

carved with flaring lobed sides rising from a tall conforming foot, with incised upright lappet blades emerging from two large taotie masks in thread relief, with a pair of confronting archaistic gui dragons and a further band of incised pendant lappets skirting the narrow foot, set on one side with a long stem of flowering aster blossoms rising up over the edge of the rim and onto the interior forming the handle, the horn of light brown tone

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

There is a restored piece to the everted mouthrim 1.5 x 2 inches, with a 2 inch crack to the interior leading up from the bottom to the restored area. There are some minor nicks to the foot, the largest 1/4 inch wide restored. There is a vertical age crack to the archaistic band approximately 1 inch long. Three tiny holes, probably bored by insects, are near the top and one has been filled in. The horn is dry and will need repolishing.
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.