skilfully worked in the form of a recumbent ram with its head turned backwards, finely rendered with a pair of striated curved horns, further portrayed flanked by two smaller rams, the softly polished stone of an attractive even colour

倫敦蘇富比2007年5月16日，編號236

The group is in overall good condition. There is a minute nibbling to one hoof of one ram.
"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."

本品造型圓潤，三羊形態自然，活靈活現，意趣盎然。另見相似三羊開泰玉雕兩例，均售於香港蘇富比，其一於1987年5月21日，編號654；其二於1993年10月27日，編號488。另有一例售於倫敦蘇富比1995年12月5日，編號104。第三例售於紐約佳士得1996年3月28日。北京故宮亦藏一尺寸稍大之三羊開泰擺件，載於《中國玉器全集》，卷6，石家莊，1993年，圖版307。天津博物館亦見一例，展於《天津市藝術博物館藏玉》，天津，1990年，編號216。

羊作為中國藝術紋飾歷史悠久，最早見於商代青銅燈座，後見於漢代陶俑冥器。宋代以降，玉雕三羊漸興，因與「三陽開泰」之「三陽」同音，故寓意吉祥。見一早期三羊玉雕例，定為宋代，展於《中國肖生玉雕》，香港藝術館，香港，1996年，編號90。