清乾隆 黃玉浮雕「螭龍逐珠」圖如意

finely carved in high relief with a chilong striding along the arched shaft, with a powerful writhing body, a horned triangular head and a long curling tail, breathing forth swirls of vapour towards a flaming pearl and another chilong writhing among clouds on the the ruyi-shaped terminal, all above a rocky outcrop issuing clouds and washed by turbulent waves, the pointed end detailed with a stalk of lingzhi, the translucent stone of warm greenish-yellow tone with a few calcified patches on the reverse and attractive russet streaks

The ruyi scepter is in quite good condition, with only minor original pitting or nibbling in areas along the edges and russet veining.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

 

This sceptre is notable for the sinuous chilong which has been carved in the round to provide a dramatic aesthetic contrast with the simple form of the shaft and the head, which depicts another chilong in high relief. The clouds denote the ethereal nature of these mythical creatures while their swirling form that echoes the movement of the chilong adds an aesthetic dimension.

A related celadon jade sceptre, but decorated with three chilong on the shaft, was sold twice at Christie’s London, 17^th December 1981, lot 409, and again, 14^th/16^th December 1983, lot 613. In its style and form, the present sceptre is reminiscent of an exceptional imperial inscribed white jade ruyi sceptre, dated to the renchen year of Qianlong’s reign (corresponding to 1772), carved with a dragon amongst vaporous clouds, sold in these rooms, 1^st November 1999, lot 561, and included in the exhibition A Romance with Jade. From the De An Tang Collection, Palace Museum, Beijing, 2004, cat. no. 19.