清乾隆 紫檀嵌青白玉龍紋如意

the head, the mid-shaft and the terminal each inset with a celadon jade plaque, depicting a ferocious en face dragon, a sinuous chilong and a smaller coiled chilong respectively, the zitan frame carved in low relief with floral scrolls, the edges bordered with key-fret bands, the terminus pierced with an aperture to thread a tassel

Good overall condition, with just typical surface wear. The jade plaques have been strengthened to stay stable.
"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."

如意寓意吉祥，相信於戰國末、西漢初濫觴，後由道家依長壽仙草，即靈芝，模樣塑造，以求福願。如意風尚自雍正朝重開，而至乾隆，又因天子青睞空前盛行。祥瑞之寓須以精選之料、超卓之技相輔方可圓滿，帝后壽誕、新歲慶典亦多以之祝壽。 此件如意用料不凡，紫檀木與青白玉相得益彰。如意首嵌玉牌，雕五爪飛龍，威嚴可敬，另二玉飾各雕螭龍，形態相異，嵌於長柄中央及末端；紫檀柄飾纏枝花卉。此件如意新穎富麗，乾隆意趣一覽無遺。

紫檀嵌玉之如意乃乾隆朝首創，以龍為飾者，尤罕。縱紋飾有別，紫檀嵌玉類例可比二件，其一，白玉飾雕仙鶴壽桃，紫檀柄雕鶴鹿同春，背有大臣王杰題字，售於紐約蘇富比2013年3月19/20日，編號422；其二，三塊玉飾各刻三多瑞果之一，售於香港蘇富比2003年4月27日，編號8。