Lot 705
  • 705

TWO INSCRIBED LEAVES FROM A SPINACH-GREEN JADE BOOK QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD, DATED TO THE GENGXU YEAR (CORRESPONDING TO 1790)

Estimate
30,000 - 40,000 USD
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Description

  • jade
each of flat rectangular form, incised and gilt-decorated on one side with a pair of confronted ferocious five-clawed dragons in pursuit of a 'flaming pearl' amidst cloud wisps and flames on one side, incised and gilt with a 72-character inscription, with a Qianlong gengxu year date corresponding to 1790, and two seals bazheng maonian and ziqiang buxi, wood stands (4)

Condition

Five of the corners have been polished down. The gilding is rubbed in areas, particularly to the inscriptions, as can be seen in the illustrations. In good overall condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

The inscription can be translated as:

The inscription incised and gilt on the reverse of the two leaves is by the Qianlong emperor titled Si de lun ('The Four Achievements') and may be translated as follows:

Yesterday upon returning to the imperial estate from the Summer Palace, I realized that the remark in this piece concerning the Four Achievements was something I should feel ashamed of as I didn't consider such was my own achievement. Without properly illuminating the thesis after citing it, I hereby try to further develop my thought and discuss the core concept.  What Zisi intends to express while alluding to Confucius' words is that one's status, wealth, fame, and longevity can be acquired only because his  virtues have been upheld, and in so doing we know that he who possesses these virtuous merits surely deserves these [Four Achievements].

Composed by Qianlong emperor, in the mid-autumn of the gengxu year (corresponding to 1790).