λ A CHINESE RHINOCEROS HORN 'CHILONG AND LINGZHI' LIBATION CUP

17TH/EARLY 18TH CENTURY

Worked in relief with two chilong confronting each other as they clamber amongst lingzhi and bamboo, one side with a fungus stem and bamboo branch forming the handle, the interior stylistically carved as a lingzhi cap, 16.6cm, 280g.

Please note that an export licence will only be granted for rhinoceros horn pieces should the hammer price meet or exceed the value of 100 USD per gram of the item's weight.

Cf. J Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, p.165, no.204 for a comparable piece with chilong and lingzhi from the Gerard Levy Collection; see also Sotheby's Hong Kong, 3rd October 2017, lots 3695 and 3698 for further examples depicting the mythical creatures amidst bamboo and lingzhi.