明 褐黑玉仿古勾連雲紋螭龍柄觥

the deep sides extended to a flared spout, carved to one side in openwork with two chilong peering over the rim forming the handle, all supported on a tall ribbed foot, the exterior decorated in low relief with archaistic roundels reserved on a wide band of interlocking cloud scrolls, incised at the rim with a foliate scroll and the foot with a chevron band, the stone of a beige-brown tone with darker russet and black inclusions

The ewer is in good condition with the exception of a natural flaw running through the spout with associated minor loss and polish to a circa 6mm., wide area of the rim. It should be noted that the stone is of a slightly darker russet-brown tone than the cataologue illustration would suggest.
"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."

本品造型以古青銅酒器觥為雛本，其型遠溯自公元前1300-1028年。一螭龍柄觥例，曾展於《Chinese Jade Throughout the Ages》，維多利亞與艾伯特博物館，倫敦，1975年，編號311；劍橋大學費茲威廉博物館藏有一例，器身較長，載於林政昇，《The Immortal Stone. Chinese Jades from the Neolithic Period to the Twentieth Century》，劍橋，2009年，圖版64；另有一例，圖錄於《天津市藝術博物院藏·玉》，天津，1993年，圖版183。

仿古玉觥形飾多樣，佳作紛呈；Honolulu Academy of Arts藏有一例，圖錄於秦孝儀《海外遺珍·玉器II》，台北，1992年，圖版190。