清乾隆 硬木嵌象牙「百鳥朝凰」圖插屏一對

each of rectangular form and decorated in a symmetrical fashion to the other, finely inlaid with stained ivory depicting a large phoenix perched on jagged rockwork in the foreground with one leg slightly bent, its plumage meticulously detailed, flanked by small floral sprays issuing from the ground, fifteen smaller birds of various breeds including a crane, a mandarin duck, a wagtail and an oriole depicted with outstretched wings flying towards the central pheonix, all against a background lacquered in white transmuting to a pale turquoise on both ends, mounted in a wooden frame and stand elaboratedly carved with a stylised shou character, foliate scrolls and ruyi blooms, the reverse of the panel painted in gilt with eight bats hovering amongst stylised cloud swirls

There is minor surface wear and bruising to the wood stands, with flaking at the fragile extremities. There is a network of age cracks to the lacquer panels. As visible in the catalogue photo, there are small black dot stains and water marks. Several of the birds appear to have been refixed to the panel. Overall in good condition.
"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."

插屏嵌象牙，飾「百鳥朝鳳」圖。鳳者，鳥中之長，意指君王，臨天下，尊攝百官，比寓君臣之義。圖中鳥雀各類，代表「五倫」之道，鳳示君臣，鶴示父子，鴛鴦示夫妻，鶺鴒示兄弟，黃鶯示朋友。

可參考一相類例，嵌百寶，飾三鶴，現存北京故宮博物院重華宮東間，錄於《故宮博物院藏文物珍品全集．明清家具 （下）》，香港，2002年，圖版259；同見一例，圖版262。另見一對，曾兩度售於紐約蘇富比1971年5月21日，編號409及1979年11月10日，編號317，繼售於紐約佳士得2006年3月29日，編號254。