  In this paper, we construct a Q-operator as a trace of a representation of
the universal R-matrix of $U_q(\hat{sl}_2)$ over an infinite-dimensional
auxiliary space. This auxiliary space is a four-parameter generalization of the
q-oscillator representations used previously. We derive generalized T-Q
relations in which 3 of these parameters shift. After a suitable restriction of
parameters, we give an explicit expression for the Q-operator of the 6-vertex
model and show the connection with Baxter's expression for the central block of
his corresponding operator.
