元至明 靈璧供石配漢白玉柱式座

the black pitted stone wrought out to a contorted outline covered with tumbling layers of crevasses, ridges and jagged protrusions, the left side overhanging with an extension resembling the head of a growling beast, the rock of a black colour patinated to an ebony sheen, the white marble stand of squared section and columnar form, carved with stylised lotus lappets and leaves to the base

The rock is in overall good condition. The marble stand has some insignificant scratches and expected chips to the edges, including one to a corner of the base with associated crackles.
"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."

此石碩大恢宏，質密細膩，皴皺奇巧，置庭間，聚天地靈秀，禪心引思。園林佈石之習，漢已有之。至唐，文人始賞其怪譎樸拙，觀其美、感其靈。以北宋文豪米芾（1052-1107年）為例，傳說愛石成癖，拜石為兄。

此石之珍，不只在其碩大，也在嶙峋起伏之間。險像峭崖，勢如猛獸，邃似洞壑，皺若巒峰。配以漢白玉座，簡雕蓮瓣曲葉，襞褶捲延，與靈璧呼應，卻又含蓄寡飾，不奪巨石雄偉傲風。北京紫禁城御花園中，佇立靈璧巨石，其深溝若谷、起伏有致，與此相類，可作參考，下承元代漢白玉雕龍紋座，圖載於丁文父編，《御苑賞石》，香港，2000年，頁84-85，編號21（圖一）。

靈璧石出安徽省靈璧縣磐石山，以黝黑者為上品。宋代趙希鵠《洞天清錄》中記：「其石不在山谷、深土之中，掘之乃見，色如漆，間有細白紋如玉」。