清乾隆 青白玉「梅壽萬年」紋鳳耳蓋瓶

the flattened pear-shaped body rising from a spreading foot to a waisted neck, flanked by a pair of phoenix handles, carved in low relief to one side with leafy carnation branches and lingzhi issuing from rockwork, the other side with gnarled prunus and Rhodea japonica, all below cicada lappets around the neck, the rim encircled with a keyfret band, the stepped cover carved with ruyi scrolls and surmounted by a reticulated dragon knop, the stone of an even pale celadon tone

J.E. de Sales la Terriere 陸軍少校收藏
倫敦蘇富比1953年11月3日，編號160
Ian Beattie太太收藏
倫敦蘇富比1961年11月21日，編號153
Bluett & Sons，倫敦
P.D. Krolik收藏
倫敦蘇富比1970年2月24日，編號138
倫敦蘇富比1993年6月8日，編號181

《Exhibition of the Arts of the Ch'ing Dynasty》，Arts Council Gallery，倫敦，1964年，編號391

J.P. Palmer，《Jade》，West Sussex，1968年，圖版29

The jade vase is in overall good condition with the exception of small chips to the extremities, such as the edges of the floral petals, tips and edges of the leaves and branches on both sides of the relief decoration (largest measuring 0.3 x 0.1cm). There are at least four minute chips and bruises to the outer rim (each measuring approx 0.1cm) and another 0.7 x 0.1cm chip to the inner rim. There are also minor nibbling along the extremities including the phoenix handles and foot of the vase. The cover also has small chips and minor losses to the extremities, the reticulated knop and the edges of the rims. There are minor natural flaws to the stone, including mottled inclusions to the stone and natural veining with associated flakes near the base of the vase. The stone is of a more celadon tone compared to the catalogue illustration.
"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."

乾隆帝尤好集效仿古銅器型與宮廷詩意繪畫於一身之玉器精作，此等意趣於本品中但可窺見一斑。皇帝如此之審美以致造辦處工匠精心巧琢，力求以玉石呈現筆墨精神。本品周身兩面分別刻畫梅枝、萬年青及康乃馨、靈芝，各種花卉質感強烈，充分體現宋代寫實畫風。紋飾寓意吉祥喜慶，萬年福祿，原應為結褵嫁娶之賀禮。

參考倫敦維多利亞與艾伯特博物館藏一件相類蓋瓶，瓶身刻河畔鵪鶉圖，錄於劉明倩，《中國玉器》，倫敦，2004年，圖版50。另一件作例出自John N. Loomis 博士收藏，瓶身刻有壽老山水圖，1994年11月28/29日售於紐約蘇富比，編號26。紐約佳士得2012年3月23日有一梅花紋瓶例，年代稍晚，編號1919。