明 白玉銜蓮瑞獸

finely modelled recumbent and resting on its haunches with paws accentuated by sharp talons, its head turned sharply over the shoulder, grasping a spray of lotus and acanthus leaves between its jaws, the facial features well defined with bulging eyes below a single horn at the forehead between pointed ears and finely incised mane falling down the neck, with a knobbly spine sweeping back to a curling bifurcated tail, the stone of a soft pale grey colour mottled with brown splashes

知柔齋收藏
香港蘇富比2008年10月8日，編號2316

馮陳善奇及楊春堂編，《玲瓏玉雕－玉人、玉獸、玉飾》，香港大學美術博物館，香港，1996年，編號114
《中國肖生玉雕》，香港藝術館，香港，1996年，編號148

The figure is in overall good condition with just minor nicks to the extremities, including the edges of the leaves, the tip of its right eyelid and tips of the petals, some possibly lightly polished. The catalogue illustration is a tinge brighter than the actual colour of the stone.
"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."

瑞獸白玉質，帶褐斑，四肢臥於腹下，作回首狀。獨角，雙目炯炯，平鼻厚唇，口銜蓮枝，背上凸脊，足底平切，為明朝玉雕動物之典型作品。

此器雕琢工藝精湛，造型古樸典雅，寓意吉祥。