CHINESE RHINOCEROS HORN LIBATION CUP,17th/18th century. Octagonal-form, exterior carved with band of archaistic taotie masks, with narrow bands of key fret at rims, qilin and phoenix bird-form handles, horn of deep honey-brown color. - 3 in. high, 5 in. long, 3 1/4 in. wide. Estimate $6,000-8,000
For a similar libation cup, without the phoenix bird-form handle, see Christie''s New York, September 19, 2007, sale 1877, lot 9.
PROVENANCE: Property from a Virginia Estate
The lower end of the tail of the phoenix bird has been glued back; there are several chips inside and outside; fritting on the rims; piece came from an estate in Virginia.
