A LARGE RHINOCEROS HORN LIBATION CUP QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of dark brownish-black tone, the horn finely carved to the exterior with a lone boatman on a rolling stream, beneath a mountain landscape with towering pine trees and swirling clouds, a large gnarled pine trunk and branches forming the handle at one end, the interior carved with a writhing qilong and swirling clouds, inscribed qi qiu xia ri, Bai Ye, with wood stand (2)

Sotheby's New York, 13th December 1945, lot 232.

The rim of the vessel has three adjacent semi-circular repaired breaks, one 2 1/2 inches wide, another 2 inches wide, the third 1/2 inch wide. The largest break has three old staples to stabilize the repair, painted to match the horn. The cracks inpainted. One of the wide sides has a vertical crack extending from the rim to the interior base, running down the exterior towards the foot approximately 4 inches, with some associated chips along the crack, the largest on the interior 1/4 inch long. There is a shallow 1/8 inch wide shallow chip on the rim near the aforementioned crack. On the tapered stem/foot there is a triangular section (1 inch wide at the base, 1 3/4 inch high) that was broken and restuck, corresponding to the bottom section of the handle. There is a circular drill hole on the base. The color is more brown and less red than the catalogue image suggests.
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 cup of similar form and subject sold in our London rooms, 18th November 1998, lot 825.