AN INSCRIBED ZITAN RULER QING DYNASTY

the rectangular panel carved with a thin flange to the left edge, the main surface incised in kaishu with Wang Xizhi's Shuanghan tie ('Frost and Cold Calligraphic Inscription'), an excerpt from a letter Wang wrote to Emperor Mu of Jin, the zitan of a warm dark brown colour with characteristic silver streaks

The calligraphy model by Wang Xizhi is also known as Shuanghan tie (‘Frost and Cold Calligraphic Inscription’).  It was part of a letter that Wang Xizhi wrote to Emperor Mu of Jin (r. 344-61) and can be translated as:

Your subject, Xizhi, here speaks. It is frosty and chilly, and I, with a deep bow, wish Your  Majesty’s sacred person is fine with the season. I cannot hold my eager sentiments but humbly await words concerning your activity and rest.  Your subject, Xizhi.