Rare Chinese antique valued at thousands found in Cotswolds

The rare libation cup, carved from rhinoceros horn, could fetch up to thousands at an auction after being identified by Chipping Camden antiques expert, Charles Hanson.

Mr Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers and frequent guest on TV's Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, stumbled upon the find during a routine home visit.

The cup is intricately carved with dragons (Image: Hansons Auctioneers)

Mr Hanson said the exact location of the find could not be revealed for confidentiality reasons.

He added: "I regularly visit clients' homes to assess antiques for potential consignment to auction.

"I'd completed my visit and was sitting in my car, about to drive off with a wave, when the couple asked if they could show me one more thing.

"What was placed into my hands was a magical find - a rare Chinese object."

The intricate horn art piece dates back to the late 17th or early 18th century with designs reflecting Chinese mythology from the Kangxi Period of the Qing Dynasty.

He added: "Rhinoceros horn libation cups were used at important ceremonial occasions in Chinese scholarly circles.

"In ancient Chinese mythology rhinoceros horn was thought to contain aphrodisiac properties and to be able to detect poison.

"It was believed the horn would change colours to alert a drinker to the presence of poison."

These cups were seen as magical objects in Chinese mythology, symbolising victory and reflecting good luck and prosperity.

Rhinoceros horn, considered as one of the 'Eight Precious' symbols, holds a special place in Chinese culture, enhancing its importance and value.

Mr Hanson said: "It was thought by Daoists to have magical properties.

"By the Tang dynasty it was being carved into drinking containers. These were used at ceremonies honouring ancestors and given to scholars who were successful in examinations."

Although trade and transportation of antique rhinoceros horn carvings are heavily regulated, they are permitted to be sold and auctioned for artistic purposes.

Chinese law allows for such pieces to be repatriated back to its home country, if they achieve more than 100 US dollars per gram and subsequently granted work-of-art status.

Mr Hanson anticipates the libation cup, inherited by the client's grandfather, to spark global interest.

The cup's auction guide price stands between £3,000-£5,000.

However, due to the high demand for historically important Chinese objects, it could fetch much more.

The libation cup will be part of Hansons' Christmas Fine Art Auction on November 30.

Free valuations or home visits for potential items to feature in Hansons’ January 2024 Fine Art Auction can be arranged by contacting the auctioneers.