清十九世紀 煤玉題字「延年」搬指 張熊（1803-1886年）製 「曉棠一兄雅玩」字 《子祥作》款

of cylindrical section with slightly beveled top and rounded base, inscribed on the exterior with two characters in clerical script Yannian (‘Prolonged years’), dated Tongzhi bingyin jiu qiu (‘Ninth month, autumn, of the bingyin year of the Tongzhi reign’, corresponding to 1866), followed by a dedication in running script reading Xiaotang yi xiong yawan (‘For the elegant enjoyment of Xiaotang’), ending with the signature Zixiang zuo (‘made by Zixiang’), the stone of an even lustrous black tone

Arthur Gadsby 收藏，香港
倫敦蘇富比2003年6月13日，編號786

Apart from some minor very fine crackles at the rim, the overall condition is extremely 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."

The present thumbring, made in the geological material jet, bears the signature of Zhang Xiong (1803-1886) and is dated to the bingyin year of the Tongzhi reign (equivalent to 1866). Zhang was a scholar from Jiaxing, Zhejiang province, but lived in Shanghai. He was famous for his talent in painting and calligraphy. Several works of art are known bearing his name and they are, as a group, with excellent calligraphy and seals, suggesting that they may be by him or made under his patronage. For further works by Zhang see a brushpot (lot 154) in this catalogue, and the pair of scroll weights (lot 169) bearing an inscription suggesting that Zhang painted the image that was copied on the weights.