A LARGE CARVED RHINOCEROS HORN LIBATION CUP 17TH CENTURY

the gently rounded body finely and naturalisticaly carved as a large lotus leaf resting on a foaming wave base, carved in high relief around the exterior with four sinuous qilong, one reaching up and over the rim forming the handle, the horn of rich dark toffee tone

The cup is in very good condition with the exception of some small nicks and flakes to the exterior of the rim (5,5,3 and 3mm. wide), some small flakes to the interior, a 4mm., diam., hole to the wave base, and e old shallow and small chips to the wave base.
"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."

A closely related cup with similar carved decoration is illustrated in Thomas Folk, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 3, where the author notes that 'the decorative style is reminiscent of the jade waterpots of the Southern Song period' (ibid., p. 50).

Compare a similar libation cup sold in our New York rooms, 30^th March 2006, lot 132; one sold in these rooms, 13^th July 2005, lot 104, and another on 2^nd December 1997, lot 74. See also an example sold at Christie's New York, 1^st December 1994, lot 10; and one, from the collection of the San Francisco Asian Art Museum, sold in our New York rooms, 18^th October 1974, lot 208.