清十八/十九世紀 灰白玉麒麟吐書擺件

the fabulous animal depicted recumbent with hoofed legs tucked underneath the rotund body and its head turned to the left, depicted with an alert expression with flaring nostrils and round eyes framed by bushy eyebrows, with finely detailed mane and scales, its mouth issuing a stream of scrolling ruyi clouds supporting a book covered in floral diapers on its back, the translucent stone of a light grey colour mottled with black specks

The jade is in overall good condition. There is a tiny chip to the edge of the ruyi clouds emanating from the qilin's mouth, as well as the expected minor nicks to 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."

參考一碩大例、重量可觀，展於東方陶瓷學會《Chinese Jade Throughout the Ages》，維多利亞與艾伯特博物館，倫敦，1975年，編號374。另一青玉例，其書卷自麒麟如意卷紋之背下滑，展於《Jade as Sculpture》，明尼蘇達藝術館，聖保羅，1975年，編號11。北京故宮博物院藏一例，尺寸稍大，見《故宮博物院藏文物珍品全集·玉器（下）》，香港，1995年，圖版94。

據載，伏羲王天下，龍馬負圖出河，遂則其文以畫八卦。《易經》並載，河出圖，洛出書，聖人則之。