Carved horn cup

This carved rhinoceros horn cup contains motifs which represent the divine realm. We notice on the foot and the lip of the cup a cloud and thunder pattern. This particular pattern is symbolic of otherworldly realms and also good fortune. The dragons are obviously symbolic of the divine. Rhinoceros horn is said to have magical protective properties. The cup would have probably been held on the end with the dragons with a left hand. The thumb would be on the inside of the cup and the fingers would be on the exterior. The other end of the cup would have been held to the lips of the drinker. The base of the cup is made from the narrow end of the rhino horn