AN ARCHAISTIC RHINOCEROS HORN 'CHILONG' LIBATION CUP QING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

the central section resting on a slightly flared foot with a galleried rim incised with a key-frey border repeated at the inner and outer mouthrims above, carved in low relief around the middle section with a border enclosing pair of archaistic kui dragons interrupted by a taotie mask, all against a leiwen ground and above a ruyi border, one side of the vessel with a double-‘S’-scroll handle below stylised ruyi motifs resting on the flared mouth, nine chilong depicted clambering sinuously on the exterior and interior of the vessel, the patina of a warm reddish-brown colour, wood stand

There are typical age cracks and insect holes as consistent with age. There are also minute chips to the rim, the largest measuring 0.7 cm. There are also small chips to the fragile extremities of the carving, including the bodies of the chilong and the beaded edge of the ruyi handle.
"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."