清十八世紀晚期 / 十九世紀早期 琥珀雕雙龍戲珠紋花瓣洗

carved from a single piece of amber, of octalobed form, raised on a shallow conforming foot, carved in relief on the interior with a pair of confronted dragons contesting a 'flaming pearl', the mouth rim decorated with four evenly spaced stylized butterflies, each continuing to the exterior to form loop handles, the amber of a transparent golden honey color, carved wood stand (2)

Three of the suspending rings are missing, and the fourth is broken. There are minor nicks to the footrim, and a natural fissure line on one side of the interior approx. 2 1/2 in., long.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

High-quality amber carvings are rare, not least because of the extreme fragility of the material, and this washer is a particularly large example. See, a similarly carved amber washer sold Christie's Hong Kong, 26th April 2004, lot 920.