Coupe libatoire en corne de rhinocéros sculptée Chine, dynastie Qing, XVIIIE siècle

le pourtour sculpté en trois dimensions d'une falaise rocheuse, un lion rugissant progressant sur un promontoire rocheux à l'approche d'un aigle perché sur la branche d'un arbre noueux, protégeant derrière lui un aiglon, les détails du plumage du rapace et de la crinière du félin finement ciselés, la corne d'une belle couleur miel ambré

Two chips to the mouth rim (0.8 x 0.7cm and 0.5 x 0.5cm), several other chips to the rear of the rim by the handle. The upper section of the the twig curling inside the rim is missing. The honey colour of the cup is comparable to the illustration in the catalogue. Three minor chips to the wood stand. Otherwise good.
"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.
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Jan Chapman explains that "Rhinoceros horn carvers can never be said to carve accurate representations of the lion or the tiger. This almost certainly because they had never seen either animal in real life." in The Art of Rhinoceros horn carving in China, London, 1999, p.180.