清十八世紀 白玉雕鳳毛麟角擺件

depicted recumbent with legs tucked beneath both bodies and heads slightly tilted toward each other, the qilin's tail swept over its haunch to form a compact composition while its muscular body is articulated by a prominent spine defined with finely incised hairs, the phoenix's plumage detailed wings are folded along its sides while its long feathered tail curls against the qilin, the white stone highlighted with natural brown and white inclusions on the qilin's body and the phoenix' tail

This carving is in good condition with one minor nick on the qilin's ear. There are some natural fissures running through the stone and minor scratches along the extremities.
"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."

鳳、麒麟、龍、龜為中國四大靈獸。在上古傳說中，天地初開、萬物初生之時，鳳為羽蟲之長，麒麟為毛蟲之首。

鳳與麒麟玉雕甚為罕見，此工匠技藝精湛，隨形巧作，將三角原石妙化為吉祥擺件。單以鳳或麒麟為紋的玉雕不勝枚舉，而各式瓷盤亦常見飾麒麟及飛鳥於其上，但如本品般結合，極為罕有。