明 青玉雕螭龍耳盃

carved in openwork with three chilong clambering on the sides, each detailed with a curling furcated tail, the two larger mythical beasts with their paws and heads resting on the rim to form the handles

There are shallow bruises and nicks to the edges and extremities of the cup, including the tips of the chilong's ears and the edges of their bodies. There are some small areas some possibly lightly polished to conceal an earlier nick. The cup is otherwise in overall 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."

此類器皿應為陳設而非實用，但足顯藏者殷實家境。Ming Wilson 在《中國玉器》，倫敦，2004年，頁42有述，明代貪官嚴嵩（1480-1565年），被抄家時發現311件玉器收藏，據載可代替金銀為上乘禮品。

可參考數例：北京故宮博物院藏一例，曾展於《故宮博物院藏文物珍品全集：玉器（下）》，香港，1995年，圖版191；另一例藏於天津博物館，錄於《天津博物館藏玉》，北京，2012年，圖版167，尚可參考一例，售於香港蘇富比1984年12月11日，編號76；另見一例，售於香港佳士得1991年10月2日，編號1442。