Lot 109
- 109
AN INSCRIBED IMPERIAL CELADON JADE PLAQUE QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- jade
- 22 by 10.3 cm, 8 5/8 by 4 in.
of rectangular form, one face exquisitely incised and gilded with scholars and attendants engaged in various pursuits amongst a riverside landscape with pavilions sheltered amongst pine, bamboo and wutong trees, the reverse engraved and gilded with an inscription from the Lanting xu (Preface to the Orchid Pavilion) in Qianlong Emperor’s calligraphy, the stone of an even pale celadon tone
Condition
This plaque is in fairly good condition, but there is a flaw to the centre of one side that has chipped, approx. 1.2cm by 0.3cm. There are also small chips to two of the four corners. The actual colour of the jade is slightly darker than catalogue illustration.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This plaque is notable for its inscription which is incised in the calligraphic style of the Qianlong Emperor, and cites a passage from Wang Xizhi’s (a.307- c.365) Lanting xu (Preface to the Orchid Pavilion). It combines three of Qianlong’s passions: calligraphy, history and highly-crafted works of art. His particular enthusiasm for Wang Xizhi’s calligraphy, who was also known as the ‘Sage of Calligraphy’, is well documented as the emperor made it his lifelong mission to assemble as many important copies of Wang’s works as possible. On the 44th year of his reign (1779), Qianlong compiled in an eight-volume work, comprised of the best surviving copies of the Lanting xu together with copies of other great Tang calligraphers and his own poems.