A JADE INLAID SCREEN QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of rectangular form, the plaque carved in varying levels of relief depicting a mountainous landscape scene with high jagged peaks surrounded by lush pine and paulownia trees, with a figure standing at the base of the mountain, the reverse inscribed in gilt with hundred variations of the shou character, set within a hardwood frame carved with lotus scrolls above an apron with archaistic scrolls 

The overall condition is quite good with only one jade possibly replaced (green jade in the middle of the panel forming part of the hill). The lacquer ground has a few characteristic crackles and a minor area of loss to the upper left hand corner (visible in catalogue). The lacquer on the back is in very good condition with only the corners with a few crackles (the upper right hand corner has a small area that is buckling).
"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."

Jade carvers and aficionados during the 18th century were fascinated with creating 'paintings' out of jade. The present example is striking for piecing together parts of white, celadon and spinach-green jade to create a dramatic landscape. It is extremely rare to find a screen comprising this combination of jades inlaid so thoroughly and coherently across the canvas. The more common style features inlaid jades carved in the form of archaic vessels or the Hundred Antiques, set against a plain flat ground. See for example the round spinach-green jade table screen inlaid with white jade carved as archaic vessels, illustrated in Alex Kerr, Immortal Images: the Jade Collection of Margaret and Trammell Crow, Dallas, 1989, p. 91.