A Carved Rhinoceros Horn 'Prunus' Libation Cup Qing Dynasty, 18th Century

naturalistically carved as a prunus blossom with furled petals forming the cup and a circular stamen on the interior, the exterior detailed in high relief with branches issuing prunus buds and blossoms, all enveloping the sides and issuing from the openwork foot, the undercut handle formed on one side with two branches, one extending to the rim with two prunus blossoms resting on the interior, the horn of a warm caramel colour darkening towards the base 

Collection of Justin Dupratt White, acquired in Nanjing in 1921, thence by descent within the family.
Collection of Charles Biondi Taylor.
Christie's Hong Kong, 28th November 2012, lot 2178.

It is in overall good condition with the exception of two small refilled flakes of approx. 0.5 and 1 cm to the mouthrim. There are also a few worm holes (a couple of them refilled) and some expected age cracks, including a few to the mouth (longest measuring approx. 2.2 cm).
"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."

Deftly carved with branches of naturalistically carved prunus branches, the design is particularly suited to the warm caramel hues of the rhinoceros horn. Comparable examples decorated with similar designs include one in the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, illustrated in Jan Chapman, The Art of the Rhinoceros Horn Carving of China, London, 1999, pl. 215; one in the Sydney L. Moss collection, included in the exhibition Escape from the Dusty World. Chinese Paintings and Literati Works of Art, Hong Kong, 1999, cat. no. 72; another sold in our London rooms, 12th March 1982, lot 74; and a fourth cup sold in our New York rooms, 12th October 1984, lot 256.