A pair of Qing dynasty (1644-1912) rhino horn cups has sold for £46,000 ($56,110) at Ibbett Moseley in Sevenoaks, UK.
The rhino horn cups originate from Qing dynasty China
Kent News reports that the cups were damaged, but this did not affect the result at auction.
Valuer Alan White told the publication: “We think the cups were probably purchased for a wealthy Chinese buyer.
“The cups are some of the highest value objects I’ve spotted in 35 years in the business.
“It was definitely a good feeling to achieve such a high price and I feel relieved that I spotted the cups otherwise they might have been thrown out or sold in a car boot sale.”
Decorative pieces made from rhino horn before 1946 are permitted to be sold in the UK, while 'unworked' rhino horn is not.
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