清乾隆 白玉瑞鳥圖山子

the lustrous white stone exquisitely worked in the form of a pair of birds, possibly mandarin ducks, against layers of pierced and jagged rockwork, one bird partially concealed behind the other, each meticulously rendered with a short beak and a shapely and finely incised crest atop the head, the plumage picked out with precision, one webbed foot of the bird at the front further realistically portrayed, boxwood stand

In very good condition, except minute nicks to the extremities as can be expected, especially to the underside. Minor bruising to the boxwood stand.
"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."

玉質淨潔白潤，瑞鳥對視，意趣生動，應屬乾隆帝案頭珍玩，或為筆擱、鎮紙，透雕海浪紋木座，氣勢洶湧，細緻卻有力，顯其原為帝王之物。

紐約蘇富比曾售二件玉雕動物壽石紋山子，一為雞紋，1990年4月11、12日，編號290，另一為鶴紋，出自 William 與 Robert Arnett 舊藏，2012年3月20日，編號221；德安堂藏一件青玉靈猴獻桃山子，展出於《玉緣．德安堂藏玉》，故宮博物院，北京，2004年，編號56，2000年6月7日售於倫敦蘇富比，編號57；還有一件虎紋山子，1987年5月21日售於香港蘇富比，編號650。比較北京故宮博物院藏一件鳳凰鏤雕筆擱，展出於《盛世華章》，皇家藝術研究院，倫敦，2005年，編號224；還有一件明代山子，展出於《Chinese Jades from Han to Ch’ing》，The Asia House Gallery，紐約，1980年，編號112；倫敦蘇富比曾售一例，雕山石鹿鶴，1978年10月17日，編號299，後再次於紐約蘇富比售出，1981年2月27日，編號475。

山子所雕瑞鳥，或為鴛鴦。鴛鴦寓意吉祥，元以降，有新婚合意、多子多孫之祝意。鴨字甲旁，清時有仕途亨通之意，鴛鴦亦象徵朝廷七品官員。