A RARE IMPERIAL GILT-DECORATED JADE BOOK QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

comprising six rectangular white jade plaques of translucent celadon-white colour, the zitan front cover inlaid in metal with the characters suijing jingzhi ('Pacification of the Frontier Borders'), the first page gilt-decorated in two tones of silver with a stylised shou character flanked by a pair of scaly dragons writhing sinuously above waves, the reverse and following nine pages exquisitely incised and gilded with inscription in lishu with an eight-verse excerpt of a total of forty verses by the Qianlong Emperor, the concluding page with one en face dragon soaring amidst ruyi clouds above tempestuous waves, all mounted in a bright yellow brocade frame, between hardwood covers

Christie's Hong Kong, 7th July 2003, lot 527.
Christie's Paris, 22nd November 2005, lot 145.

There are minor age cracks to the zitan covers, more prominent on the back cover. Rubbing to silver-inlaid characters, particularly the top of the 'sui' character. As visible in the catalogue photo, there are two minute worm holes that run through the paper. Scuffing and general wear to the paper, and slight tearing to the final page and the back of the leaves.
"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."

This jade book is inscribed with verses praising the bravery Fuk'anggan (or Fu Kang'an in Chinese, d. 1796), the son of the Grand Secretary Fuheng, and nephew of Empress Xiaoxianchun. A member of the Fuca clan, Fu was particularly esteemed by the Qianlong Emperor for his crucial role in the victorious campaigns against the Jinchuan rebels in Sichuan province, the Gurkas in Tibet and the Miao tribes. His military prowess saw his rapid progression to the position of Lieutenant-General of the Manchu division of the Bordered Yellow Banner, and later the Prince in the Fourth Degree. At his death, the Emperor ordered the construction of a temple in Fu’s memory and hung three of his portraits in the Hall of Purple Light (Ziguang ge), along with portraits of other meritorious officials.

Finely incised and gilded jade books reveal the dexterity of the carver with the medium, as such thin plaques were extremely fragile and could break if excessive pressure was applied when carving. During the Qianlong period, the production of jade books attained a new apex of quality, reflecting the emperor’s deep admiration and the increased availability of the material following the pacification of the Hui people in Xinjiang. These books were made under imperial orders by artisans working in the Palace Workshop belonging to the Neiwufu in the jade workshops of Suzhou, or in those belonging to the Huai and Changlu Administrations.

Imperial jade books are frequently found inscribed with poetry; see one in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in the Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum. Jade. Qing Dynasty, vol. 9, Beijing, 2011, pl. 85, together with a slightly larger book, pl. 84; two examples illustrated in Chinese Jade Books in the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, 1963, pls 1 and 5; and a slightly smaller one, from the collection of Sir James Thornton, included in the exhibition Chinese Jade. Stone for the Emperors, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Victoria, 1986, cat. no. 92. Compare also a smaller book carved with the Sui dynasty (581-619) Chu Shi Song, sold in these rooms, 10th April 2006, lot 1528; and another with calligraphy after Wang Xizhi (303-361), sold in our Paris rooms, 9th June 2010, lot 173.