A LARGE ARCHAISTIC RHINOCEROS HORN LIBATION CUP 17TH CENTURY

the sides carved with three chilong in high relief over a wide band of taotie, with two further chilong carved to the handle, inscribed to the interior lip Wu Qi Sun, 'The Five Honourable Dragons', with ornate carved and pierced wood stand  

The cup is in good overall condition with the exception of a 7mm., long shallow chip to the end of one chilong's tail, an associated old repair in the form of two rivetts holding the tail to the body of the cup and an associated deep scratch to the rim above, a 1cm., shallow chip to the end of one of the large chilong's tail forming the handle, twoshallow chips (5 and 10mm. wide) to the edge of the foot, a 2mm., repair to the head of one chilong, slightly uneven age cracking to the inetrior of the cup and a small drilled hole to the base of the cup.
"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."