明末 貼鎏金銅螭龍花地鐵壓尺

of slender rectangular form, the centre surmounted by a sinuous gilt-bronze chilong in relief, the weight damascened with a diaper background of gold-wire flowerheads encircled by silver-inlaid petal borders, the sides and ends with a continuous key-fret pattern in gold enclosed within a silver frame

瑪麗及莊智博收藏
香港蘇富比2005年10月23日，編號3

The chilong has a couple of old chips to the tail, as well as some minor dents and tarnishing. There is also some typical wear to the gilding. The iron body has some minor losses to the inlays. Apart from expected tarnishing and oxidation, however, the overall condition is quite good.
"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."

Iron scroll weights are extremely rare and even more unusual are those decorated in this sumptuous manner. Only one other related piece appears to be recorded, a scroll weight, from the Jiangsong Ge collection, illustrated in Elegant Offerings from the Scholar’s Studio: The Jiangsong Ge Collection, Hong Kong, 2002, pl. 14.

For examples of scroll weights of this long rectangular form but carved in wood, see a pair fashioned in hongmu, illustrated in Gerard Tsang and Hugh Moss, Arts from the Scholar’s Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 222, sold in these rooms, 8th October 2010, lot 2248; and a zitan example sold in our New York rooms, 29th November 1994, lot 419.