A VERY RARE CARVED RHINOCEROS HORN LIBATION CUP EARLY MING DYNASTY

skinned and hollowed, carved using the natural shape and full length of the horn, the lower part of the horn around the rim subtly carved with flame motifs in accordance with the natural configuration of the fibres, the horn of rich toffee tone

This rare cup is in very good condition with the exception of several old rim chips and flakes (measuring 1,1,2,2,3,4,4,5,5 and 8mm., wide), and several small and shallow holes to the interior (measuring 1,1,1,1,2,5,6,6,6,7 and 11mm. wide).
"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."

Undecorated rhinoceros horn cups can be found illustrated in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pls. 170 and 305, from the collection of the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin;  a shorter, plain conical cup bequeathed to the British Museum by Sir Hans Sloane in 1753 is illustrated in Gillman, 'A Source of Rhinoceros Horn Cups in the Late Ming Dynasty', Orientations, December, 1984, fig. 9; an undecorated rhinoceros cup from the collection of Lord Suffield of Gunton Park, Norfolk, was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 20th May 1986, lot 178; and a plain, full-tip cup of larger proportions was sold in our London rooms June 12^th, 1990, lot 113.