A Carved Rhinoceros Horn 'Dragon and Lotus' Libation Cup Qing Dynasty, 18th Century

brilliantly conceived as a wide flaring lotus leaf with a lobed rim, the exterior alternatively adorned with circular and bracket-lobed cartouches of diaper design, one side carved in relief and openwork with a clambering chilong forming the handle, the horn of an attractive honey brown colour subtly darkening to a deep chestnut tone at the base, wood stand

An American private collection.
Acquired in 1991.

Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth - Gems of Antiquities Collections in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 2003-2005, cat. no. 117.

The rim has two age cracks (approx. 1.2 and 0.3 cm). Several areas of the mouth have been slightly polished down, probably to conceal some nicks. There are also some typical insect holes, age crackles and nicks (max. 0.3 cm). Otherwise, the cup is in overall quite good condition with an attractive patina.
"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."

Another rhinoceros horn cup of archastic shape decorated with an 'earth' diaper is in the Chester Beatty Library Collection, Dublin, Ireland, and is illustrated in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pl. 175.