清乾隆 白玉獸面紋三足蓋爐

the compressed spherical body supported on three animal feet surmounted with animal masks, set with two stylised dragon-head handles, carved in shallow relief with taotie, below a thin band of key-fret at the rim, the domed cover similarly carved with taotie above a thin band of key-fret, the stone of an even white to pale celadon tone, with areas of white inclusions

This censer and cover is in good condition, but does have a very small shallow chip to the upper surface of the rim (1.5mm by 1.5mm). There is a flaw running from the rim diagonally down the body and another flaw running horizontally next to this. There is also a flaw running through the horn of one of the dragon-head handles and another short diagonal flaw (2cm) running through the rim.
"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."

本品形制可上溯高古青銅簋，以獸首為器物底足。可參見西周簋兩例，藏於Arthur M. Sackler Gallery，史密森尼學會，華盛頓，圖刊於Jessica Rawson著《Western Zhou Ritual Bronzes》第IIB冊，劍橋，1990年，圖版55及56。

相類玉爐，有一尺寸較小者，呈三足鼎狀，藏於北京故宮博物院，載圖刊於《故宮博物院藏品大系：玉器編10：清》，北京，2011年，圖版112；另一碧玉作例，蓋頂龍鈕，售於紐約蘇富比1980年2月28日，編號248。尚有一例，屬簋形，然底足較短，藏於南京博物館，載於《天津博物館藏玉》，北京，2002年，圖版195；另一件屬乾隆款並器，載於《玉緣：德安堂藏玉》，北京故宮博物院，2004年，圖版121。