清十八/十九世紀 青白玉歲歲平安紋如意

the large ruyi-shaped terminal carved in low relief with two quails sheltered amongst leafy millet and lingzhi sprays on a rocky ledge beside flowing waters, the arched shaft framed with interlocking ruyi and foliate strapwork, the reverse carved with scrolled geometric motifs near the terminal, pierced at the bottom edge for threading a tassel, the translucent stone of an even pale celadon tone with icy-white inclusions, wood stand

（傳）金從怡收藏
Ernst Winkler醫生收藏，得自1940-1950年代

This fine sceptre is in very good condition with the exception of a minute nick to the top right edge of the ruyi head.
"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."

雕飾鳥紋之如意，甚為鮮見，本品精雕鵪鶉纖羽，線條柔和，畫意自然，邊旁砂石跌宕起伏，稻穗捲延，意趣盎然。本品雕刻稻穗鵪鶉，諧音喻意「歲歲平安」，別出心裁，造型碩大，更為難得。如此精良玉材，當來自十八世紀乾隆年間，和闐朝貢之珍品。

可參考數例：北京故宮博物院藏一白玉嵌寶如意，曾展於《故宮博物院藏文物珍品全集：玉器（下）》，香港，1995年，圖版30；另一例出自趙從衍典藏，售於香港蘇富比1986年11月18日，編號191；尚可參考一較小作例，出自Robert H. Bluemenfield收藏，售於紐約佳士得2012年3月22日，編號1229。

如意，意寓「如君所願」，其歷史可遠溯唐代以前，來源或為佛像僧聖手持之爪杖。古人原以如意作抓背，後演變為吉祥賀禮，造型亦隨年代變更。唐代下半葉，佛教一度式微，道教信眾漸以如意為吉祥物。雍正朝以降，如意再度流行，並成宮廷器物。皆因如意不為實用，並可隨祝賀寓意改變造型，故為宮廷饋禮佳選。有關如意歷史之詳論，見《吉祥如意》，國立故宮博物院，台北，1995年，頁86-90。