A WHITE JADE 'IMMORTAL' TABLE SCREEN WITH ITS ORIGINAL CLOISONNE AND CHAMPLEVE ENAMEL STAND QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD |

of circular form, deftly carved in various levels of relief, one face depicting an immortal holding a peach looking backwards at his attendant carrying a floral spray, before an elaborate pavilion sheltered amongst pine trees in a rocky landscape by a flowing river, opposite two further immortals in a fenced garden on the right, above another attendant holding a ruyi sceptre on a rocky ledge under a wutong tree, the reverse depicting a crane with its head turned sharply backwards, standing on cragged rocks in a landscape with pine, wutong and a waterfall, the stone of an even white tone, the cloisonné and champlevé enamel stand decorated with stylised blue lotus sprays flanked by kui dragons against a turquoise ground

The plaque is in good overall condition with expected occasional insignificant bruises and nibbling to the fragile extremities of the carving. There is a small polished section to the one possibly original to the carving. There are expected enamel flakes and tiny expected areas of wax infills to the stand.
"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 present white jade circular table screen is finely carved in various levels of relief. Depicted on one side are three immortals and an attendant conversing under a large overhanging pine, in a rural landscape replete with wutong trees and a stream, all within rocks and clouds around the edges; centred on the reverse is a crane standing in a cascading waterfall. Such idyllic scenes, as if unfolding like a painting, transport the viewer to a state of tranquillity and harmony, and provide a momentary escape from mundane, daily duties. Considering himself a great patron and connoisseur of the arts, the Qianlong Emperor advocated that jade carved panels, brushpots and mountains should carry the spirit of paintings by famous past masters. It is recorded that a number of classical paintings from the Emperor's own collection was ordered to be reproduced in jade. The sense of harmony between the figures and the vast landscape in this screen is an exemplary demonstration of the Emperor's vision.