清十八世紀 竹雕「鳳凰」水丞

finely carved and hollowed in the form of a reclining phoenix with a tear-shaped aperture on its back, detailed with a short beak below almond-shaped eyes and a ruyi-shaped crest, its bifurcated pectoral feathers centred with a knop and swirling down towards its crouched legs beneath, its wings folded along its body and tail feathers curling behind, all figured with fine incisions, the bamboo smoothly patinated to a rich chocolate-brown colour

Apart from surface wear consistent with age, the waterpot is in overall good condition.
"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."

The distinct and high-quality style of carving on the waterpot, particularly the combination of bold archaistic motifs and gentle naturalistic rendering of the feathers, is reminiscent of the workmanship on imperial jades produced at the Qianlong court, such as a jade duck from the Qing court collection, preserved in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Jadeware (III), Hong Kong, 1995, p.104, pl. 84.