戰國末至西漢初 玉韘

of flattened oval form with a pointy top and a projecting lug on one side in the form of a simplified dragon head, the smoothly polished stone of an even colour

The thumbring is in good condition. There is expected insignificant nibbling along the edges, the largest a tiny nick to the tip of the lug. The upper tip of the thumbring has been pierced above a tiny area of possible light polish. The catalogue illustration is slightly warmer 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."

韘，古代騎射工具，開弓扣弦時護指之用。考古所見最早玉韘，出土於安陽殷墟婦好墓，中空筒形，套於拇指使用。東周時演變為食指用韘，造型立體，中孔納指，指肚勾緊舌形斜坡，一側有扳突，錄於徐汝聰，《楚韘》，《江漢考古》 2014年第5期，頁46-62。從西漢開始，玉韘逐漸向韘形佩演變，造型扁平，中孔縮小變形，周圍多透雕，逐漸從實用器轉變為裝飾佩戴。

青白玉，玉質滋潤，光素無紋，相類的造型見湖北隨縣戰國曾侯乙墓出土的玉韘，載古方，《中國出土玉器全集》，卷10，北京，2005年，頁98，但此玉韘扳突部分更具裝飾性，整體造型趨於扁平，處於向後世韘形佩演變的過程中。