清十七世紀 紫檀浮雕「龍鳳圖」筆筒

of cylindrical form raised on an associated rounded base supported on five feet, masterfully carved in openwork and high relief with a complex web of interlocking sinuous chilong and a confronting dragon and phoenix on one side, all against a ground of low-relief swirling clouds, the rim embellished with a floral scroll in hardstones and mother-of-pearl, the eyes of the dragons occasionally inset with metal, the densely grained wood richly patinated to a deep reddish brown colour

There are a few section of the openwork carving that have chipped off, including a 2 cm section at the tip-end of the curling crest of the phoenix extending from behind its neck, another curling section of its crest towards the centre (both showing on the alternate view in the catalogue), a 3.5 cm section of the tail of the main dragon (showing on the 360 degree detail illustration in the catalogue). The base may be a later replacement and is somewhat loose. Some sections of the inlays on the rim are either replaced or missing, including a 9 cm. section of mother of pearl meant to be a spray of bamboo on the top of the rim. Some small section of metal originally accenting the eyes of the mythical creatures are also missing, although several are still there and visible on the catalogue illustration. There is some further wear to the surface, consistent with age, some scratches or old stains on the interior. The actual colour of the carved wood is somewhat less red, more deep brown with a warm patina when compared to the illustration in the catalogue.
"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."

本品筆筒，繁雕龍鳳滿目，往來交錯，穿雲開霧，時隱時見，大氣之作，屬十七世紀精絕匠藝之代表。螭龍之紋，古已有之，多見玉品，飾筆筒者，相見甚罕。此作不易，需審材奪料，紋樣熟定於心，方始製，浮雕龍鳳雲海紋，刀刀入肌，融於木理，層次分明，作行雲流水之勢，口嵌蓮紋，刻彰華膴灑麗之風。

紫檀筆筒見同紋者，存世甚罕，可參考一相類例，口嵌纏紋，清宮舊藏，現存北京故宮博物院，錄《故宮博物院藏文物珍品大系‧竹木牙角雕刻》，上海，2001年，圖版50；同見一紫檀筆筒，口沿嵌飾相類，雕山水人物，圖版18。另比一相類例，藏北京故宮博物院，錄《中國美術全集‧竹木牙角器》，卷11，北京，1987年，圖版67。