Chinese Horn Libation Cup with Taotie Masks and Qilong Handle

A Chinese horn libation cup, 19th century, carved in relief to the exterior with a band of taotie masks on a key-fret background, surrounded by a border of key-fret design to both the mouth and foot rim, the handle pierced with numerous intertwined qilong, showing one gripping to the lip of the cup with his mouth and claws, the cup with an everted foot rim,10.5 cm high. Provenance: Private Collection, Melbourne, purchased by Robert Francis (1826-1895), general agent for the China Navigation Co in Kiukiang, proprietor of his own shipping company, also reputedly owner of several tea plantations. Francis relocated from London to Shanghai in 1855, where he resided for the next 40 years till his death in 1895, after his death the items were passed onto Francis' nephew and hence by descent passed on the current owner. Reference: For two horn libation cups with a very similar design, please refer to Sotheby's, Paris, 14 June 2007, Lots 47 and 68.