清康熙 / 雍正 壽石雕鏤空仿古「夔龍祥鳳」圖球式香薰

of spherical form, the centre perforated vertically to contain a hollow double-layered gold tube made from two fitted parts, each end decorated with a radiating band of formalised lotus petals, the thin wall of the exterior delicately carved in shallow relief and openwork, with archaistic stylised kui dragons and phoenix, all set against a network of circle-pierced ground, the soapstone of a warm grey tone with brownish green speckles

This delicate pomander is in very good condition. The actual colour is darker, more brownish-green and less yellow when 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."

The present finely carved soapstone pomander is unusual for a number of reasons. Made from a piece of soft stone which is dappled and speckled, it is delicately small in size. The decoration of 24 kui dragons and phoenix is also rare, with each mythical beast depicted in a different style, varying in size, serpentine appearance, and number of legs, finials or wings, type of head, and the entire composition laid out as a continuous pattern of interlocking beasts. The object is intended to be appreciated by turning it and to be viewed as a continuous experience. The gold chasing is also of exceptional quality for its miniature scale. These are qualities that suggest a Palace Workshop attribution, where the use of the motif of kui dragons was especially popular during the Qing dynasty.

The gold chasing is reminiscent of that found on imperial accessories, for example, see a jade and a bone openwork button of similar rounded form decorated with the design of clouds and dragons with gold chasing, included in the Exhibition of Ch’ing Dynasty Costume Accessories, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1986, cat. no. 325. Pomanders fashioned in ivory are more readily found; see one of double-gourd form sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 31st May 2010, lot 1887; and another, also of gourd shape illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, Shanghai, 2001, pl. 175.