Naturalistically modelled as an half-opened lotus leaf with furled edges, finely detailed overall with a network of veins amongst lotus flowers in high relief with downward folded leaves and flowers and with curled edges on another, set on one side with an openwork handle formed from intertwining stems issuing lotus flowers, extended to the base as a further bloom maturing to a pod bursting, the interior worked in high relief with a crab with its claws above the flower, the horn patinated to a warm reddish caramel tone darkening towards the base. In good conditions, a tiny V chip on the rim and at the base some few small pieces re-glued, minor wears on the surface.13,5 cm wide, 9,5 cm high,184,3 gr.A FINELY CARVED RHINOCEROS HORN LOTUS LEAF LIBATION CUP, CHINA, QING DYNASTY, LATE 17TH CENTURYProvenance: from the private collection of a gentleman in Rome and thence by descentPurchased at Christie's, Rome, 11 November 1976, lot 33Export License available.