A rhinoceros horn libation cup, 17th-18th century. Photo Bonhams.
The exterior sides of the flattened conical section of horn undercut and carved in raised relief to depict wizened scholar officials and/or immortals and their boy attendants amid a continuous rocky riverside tableau of waterfalls and crashing waves, the interior well of the cup unusually further incised and undercut to depict gnarled pine boughs, waterfalls, and cranes; the horn displaying a patina of variegated russet and chocolate hue. 4 3/4in (12cm) high. Sold for US$ 137,000 (€100,602)
Item has been in the United States since 1948.
FINE CHINESE WORKS OF ART, San Francisco, 24 Jun 2014 -http://www.bonhams.com/