清十八世紀 青白玉「佛獅戲球」

seated recumbent with its head turned to the right, its squared jaw grasping a long ribbon leading to a brocade ball, detailed with a tightly coiled mane, bushy eyebrows, and flaring nostrils, its young crouching on its back with the other end of the ribbon in its mouth, the stone of an even pale celadon tone

Spink & Son，倫敦

In very good general condition, with the exception of a possibly polished chip to a recessed area on the creature's right hind leg, the area measuring approximately 11mm by 6mm. A small 2mm chip to the end of the ribbon held in the mouth of the cub. The stone in faint mottled inclusions and of a slightly greener tone than as seen in catalogue image.
"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."

Known from at least the Jin dynasty (1115-1234), the motif of lions playing with a brocade ball became a popular motif from the second half of the Ming dynasty, adorning many ceramics and decorative arts in the sixteenth century. An adult lion depicted playing with a brocade ball together with its cub represents the wish for the owner and descendants to achieve high rank. A similarly carved group was sold in our New York rooms, 11^th/12^th April 1990, lot 332.