AN ARCHAISTIC RHINOCEROS HORN LIBATION CUP QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

of slightly squared section, the body carved with a wide band of large taotie masks against a leiwen ground, below a keyfret border and a band of cicada wings at the rim, all above the slightly splayed foot, the flattened handle below a qilong reaching up and biting the rim, the horn of deep brown tone

Sotheby's New York, 13th December 1945, lot 226.

There is an old semi-circular restuck chip running from the rim to the qilong wing on the upper handle, length approximately 1 3/8 inch, which appears to have been secured by three small metal nails or pegs. The opposite side of the rim with a chip or shallow worm bores to the interior rim 1/4 inch long with an associated vertical age crack 1/2 inch long. Nearby a 1/4 inch chip to the exterior rim near a smaller chip associated with 1/2 inch long diagonal deep crack in the surface, which does not penetrate the horn and may be an original defect/weakness to the material. The bottom corner of the handle with a 1/4 inch old chip polished down. The surface of the handle with a 1/2 inch shallow chip or series of shallow worm bores.
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.