AN IMPERIAL INSCRIBED GREY JADE BRUSHPOT QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of rectangular form, intricately worked with four straight tapering sides resting on four small bracket feet, each side carved in low relief with one of the 'Four Gentlemen' (si junzi), orchids, bamboo shoots, prunus and chrysanthemum blossoms, the top right corner of each side inscribed with an imperial poem corresponding to each 'gentleman', the stone of a greyish colour mottled with white and dark grey inclusions

Spink & Son, Ltd., London.
A private European collection.
Christie's New York, 15th September 2011, lot 1007.

The brushpot is in overall good condition with just minute nicks along the edges of the mouthrim, sides and feet as can be expected. The catalogue illustration is a tinge redder than the actual colour of the jade.
"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."

The poetic inscriptions can be translated as follows:

Composed by his majesty
The true nature of the spring orchid is discerned today,
It has a lofty aroma that is the most affable,
Leisurely, I relate to the ancient sage afar,
ruminating and appraising by the waterfront.

Composed by his majesty
The bamboo strikes a pure chord in the wind,
and swiftly expands like a flying dragon
under the light of the moon.
The tip of bamboo echoes a beautiful jade,
conjuring up an imagery veiled in smoke and rain.

Composed by his majesty
The golden flowers of chrysanthemum
are recorded in the Book of Rites,
Where do their red and purple colors
and ever-changing shapes come from?
The flowers imitate a scholar in pursuit of a life in retreat,
and there are men who attempt the same.

Composed by his majesty
Iron stems, icy flowers and red buds,
with contours delineated in ink.
My words are inspired,
I find happy phrases harder to come by than bitter ones.