明至清 灰英巨石供

the crooked body wrought out to stand vertically on a tapering point, the dark grey limestone pitted with an asperous surface, wood stand

The rock is in good condition overall with minor areas where the fragile edges are more brittle, possibly from bruising.
"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."

此英石碩大恢宏，滿披皴皺，如雲煙疊昇，妙有宛動之勢，類例難求。明人文震亨（1585-1646）於《長物志．品石》中云：「石以靈璧為上，英石次之。然二種品甚貴，購之甚艱，大者尤不易得，高踰數尺者，便屬奇品。」

英石之皺拙簡樸、奇巧靈動，早見於唐朝詩文。有宋一朝，有以巨石入大幅畫軸，取其小中觀大、幻化無窮。繪石如斯，細感虛實之微妙。明人吳彬（活躍於1583-1626）嘗畫《十面靈璧圖》，米萬鐘（1570-1628後）題跋，售於紐約蘇富比1989年12月6日，編號39，十面皴皺奇廓，盡展無遺。可與此件媲美之英石，曾見於拍賣者，有明清年間二例，一石乃翦淞閣舊藏，另一出自水松石山房，分別售於香港蘇富比2008年4月11日，編號2723，以及2010年4月8日，編號1702。Richard Rosenblum 舊藏一清代英石，售於2014年4月7日，編號3666。