A carved rhinoceros horn archaistic libation cup Qing dynasty, 18th Century

the vessel of typical truncated tapering form, carved in low-relief around the sides with a central band enclosing two large taotie masks with curled horns reserved against a leiwen ground, with a T-scroll border encircling the inner and outer edge of the broad rectangular rim, interrupted by the spout set opposite a baby qilong clambering up the vessel alongside an adult qilong reaching up with its sinuous body to bite the edge of the rim, all supported on a waisted pedestal foot, the horn of reddish-brown tone

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

There is some minor loss to the T-scroll pattern around the mouthrim with areas worn down with age. There is one 3/4 inch crack from the rim and a miniscule crack near the handle, as well as two filled-in areas near the handle. There are three tiny holes bored by insects, one underneath the handle, another below the exterior of the rim, the third to the top of one taotie mask. There is a minor chip to the hind foot of the baby qilong. There are two hairline age cracks at the bottom of the interior, barely noticeable, the largest 1/ 1/4 inch long.
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 a related example also carved with archaistic motifs, including bands of taotie masks in low-relief, sold in our London rooms, 16th June 1999, lot 752, and another sold at Christie's London, 11th June 1990, lot 233.