Ivory China, 18th century This masterly carved ivory pouring vessel is crafted in log raft shape with a figural handle depicting five intertwined chilong dragons. The beasts with their reticulated, curved tails are cuddled up, one with its head upside down. A cloud pattern, carved in high relief, is adorning the rim of the hollowed spoon-like log and continued on the underside. The purpose of this object might have been for pouring wine or tea. Maybe it was also intended as a scholar’s desk object, combining a brush rest and a brush washer. Shape: Figural shape Dimensions: 19,5 cm (length) Condition: Excellent condition with natural patina Provenance: Austrian Private collection Literature comparison: For two raft-form shaped pouring vessels of the same period see Sotheby’s, FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 08 APRIL 2014, HONG KONG, lot 3139 (carved from amber) or Christie’s, Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Part I, 13 - 14 September 2012, New York, lot 1024 (carved from jade). 十八世紀象牙雕 “螭龍紋” 竹筏 象牙 中國， 十八世紀 這件雕工清湛的牙雕作品成細長竹筏形，竹筏上雕刻著五隻可愛的小螭龍幼兒。五隻小螭龍情態不一，生動活潑。浮雕祥雲紋隨著牙雕形狀圍繞著他們。 這件器物可能曾經用來裝酒或茶。也或者曾經是文人雅士書桌上的擺設，與筆擱或者筆洗一起。 隨形而雕 尺寸：高19,5 cm 品相極好，天然包漿 奧地利私人收藏 文獻參考：另外同樣年代的兩件竹筏形牙雕可見蘇富比《中國精美陶瓷與手工藝》，2014年4月8日，香港，3139號拍品（琥珀雕） 或佳士得《中國精美陶瓷與手工藝-第一部分》，2012年9月13至14日，紐約，1024號拍品（玉雕）。