清雍正 / 乾隆 白玉雕「鴛鴦貴子」擺件

carved in the form of a pair of confronting mandarin ducks endearingly conjoined at their incurved beaks, each detailed with a finely incised plumage and crest atop the head, a further smaller mandarin duck trailing behind the tail of one of them, the group set with five small ducklings around them and a further duckling resting atop the tail of the duck in the middle, the stone of an even celadon-white tone mottled with a faint light brown patch, wood stand

The overall condition is very good with no apparent nicks. The stone has some natural veinings and inclusions. The actual colour is consistent with the catalogue illustration.
"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."

本品擺件取材長形玉料，巧雕大小鴛鴦一堂。此類件多隨形雕作，以免良玉餘廢。可比一相類作例，售於紐約蘇富比2009年9月16日，編號238。另比一例，曾售倫敦蘇富比1986年10月31日，編號304。再見一青金石雕鴛鴦例，現藏維多利亞和阿爾伯特博物館，倫敦，錄Ming Wilson，《Chinese Jade》，倫敦，2004年，圖版100。

鴛鴦成雙，寓意「相隨不離，忠貞不渝」。本品意為「鴛鴦貴子」，著實討喜。