清十九世紀 岳鴻慶竹根雕磨菇鈕小章 《余三》款 印文：《琴如梅花》

crisply carved as a group of three mushrooms, with the tips of bamboo roots sprouting around the sides of the seal, the seal face carved in the positive Qin ru meihua (‘likening qin to plum blossoms’), the side of the seal signed in regular script with the artist's sobriquet, Yusan

The seal is in overall good condition with just typical age cracks and extremely minute flakes to the fragile extremities, such as the edges of the seal face. As visible in the catalogue photo, there is a 0.8 cm natural cavity to the right.
"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."

據《中國美術家人名辭典》記載：岳鴻慶［清］字餘三，浙江嘉興諾生。工鐵筆，與曹世模齊名。兼工刻竹木，嘗製一紫檀大筆筒，張子羊畫梅，繁枝橫出，千花萬蕊，老幹多皴，使刀如筆，真絕技也。款云「戊午夏四月子羊寫，餘三刻」。喜吟詠，結社唱酬。有餘三集。詳見《再續印人傳》、《蘿窗小牘》、《竹人續錄》。