清十八/十九世紀 白玉臥馬

carved recumbent with its legs tucked underneath its body, the tail curled alongside its rear haunches, its head turned to its left, detailed with rounded eyes, flaring nostrils, a pronounced jaw and a neatly combed mane, the stone of an even white tone

R.W. Jackson 教授收藏，得自1970年代初
Troubetzkoy 收藏

The tail, mane and one of the hoofs of the horse have minute nicks. The stone is of a more greyish 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."

文人雅士素喜以玉雕作紙鎮，而小件玉雕刻畫之動物多作斜倚或臥姿，切合籽料橢圓形狀，盡用珍貴玉材，本品亦不例外。玉馬線條流麗，清新雅緻，神情溫順。

北京故宮博物院藏一例，尺寸略小，圖錄於楊伯達，《華夏古玉》，卷12，香港，1997年，圖版52；另見一例售於香港蘇富比2010年10月8日，編號2798；尚有一例先後為 Avery Brundage及Moy Ying Ming Gallery舊藏，售於倫敦佳士得2007年9月19日，編號73。參見另一臥馬作例，傳為元代玉器，曾展於《Chinese Jade. The Image from Within》，Pacific Asia Museum，帕薩迪納，1986年，編號146。

唐代習以馬匹為功名權位象徵，然本玉馬神態悠然自得，彷若官員在公務繁忙之餘，偷得片刻閒暇。