A carved rhinoceros horn libation cup Qing dynasty, 18th Century

carved to the exterior with a man in a boat navigating a river within a mountainous landscape, amidst large pavilions and walled compounds nestled amongst towering pine trees and overhanging cliffs, with a further scholar figure and acolyte about to cross an arched bridge set over flowing waters continuing to the underside of the truncated base, the gnarled pine trunk and branches forming the handle at one end, the interior with a large horned qilong grasping the edge of the rim, its long sinuous body writhing vigorously in and then back out of a simulated 'opening' in the surface amidst lightly incised cloud scrolls, the horn of dark brownish-black tone

Collection of Kenyon V. Painter, Cleveland, Ohio & Arusha, Tanzania, circa 1910s-40s.
By descent to the present owners.

The foot has a restored section approximately 1 1/4 x 2 inches, which may be contemporary to the carving. The foot also with two old chips, the largest 7/8 inches long. There is loss to the head of one of the figures, approximately 1/4 inch. There are four small holes, possibly bored by insects, to one of the branches forming the 'handle', the largest 1/4 inch. The mouthrim is in good condition save for one nick 1/2 inch wide.
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.

See Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, no. 281, for an illustration of a similar rhinoceros horn libation cup.  Compare also a related cup sold in our London rooms, 12th July 2006, lot 1.