清乾隆 白玉八吉祥紋雙龍活環耳五足洗

finely carved with rounded sides supported on five splayed ruyi feet, the lipped rim flanked by a pair of dragon mask handles with flaring nostrils and rounded eyes, their mouths each issuing a loop suspending a loose ring, the exterior delicately carved in low relief with the beribboned bajixiang, all above a lappet band enclosing trefoil motifs, the stone of an even white tone suffused with faint russet veinings, wood stand

In very good general condition, with several natural stone flaws and russet veining to the stone. Three small chips to the horns of the mythical beast handles (the largest measuring 2mm) and one shallow rim chip (3mm wide).
"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."

本品瑩潤秀雅，器身光素無紋，巧以淺浮雕細琢八吉祥紋，展現乾隆一朝玉匠嫻熟工藝。乾隆年間，此類洗甚為流行，而良玉籽料資源極豐，故得以製成如此臻品。本品類洗，紋樣雕飾各異，但均寓吉祥，常作婚慶賀禮，意祝連理之美。

相近飾八吉祥紋作例，曾售於倫敦蘇富比1960年10月18日，編號153；另有一例，口沿略內斂，出自Ogden Reid、Helen Rogers Reid 及 George L. Kroll收藏，兩度售於紐約蘇富比，先後為1971年5月21日，編號402，及2014年3月18日，編號303。此外尚有一例，兩度售於香港佳士得，分別為1992年9月29日，編號761，以及2013年5月29日，編號3213。

德安堂珍藏一相近白玉雙龍活環耳洗，曾展於《玉緣：德安堂藏玉》，故宮博物院，北京，2004年，編號7；另見一瑞獸活環耳花口洗，載《中國玉器全集》，卷6，石家莊，1993年，圖版314。