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

à décor d'écureuils, feuilles de vignes et grappes de raisin sur un sarment noueux formant l'anse et la base, l'intérieur figurant les nervures d'une feuille, la corne d'une belle teinte miel ; petits accidents et manques

The rim has been ground down in three places with an associated restored chip ; three small areas of restoration along the rim ; some missing parts to the foliage as visible on the catalogue illustration (between the handle and the body) ; few old wears and expected age cracks and small losses ; the actual color is less reddish, more honey, than the catalogue illustration would suggest.
"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."

Compare with a cup dated 17th century, finely carved with a squirrel and grapes illustrated in T. Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, pl.171.
Two 'squirrels and grapes' carved rhinoceros horn libation cups were sold at Christie's New York, 16th/17th December 2010, lot 1276 and 1282, another one at Christie's Paris, 13 June 2007, lot 28 and a last one at Sotheby's London, 16 May 2007, lot 4.