清乾隆 灰白玉題御製詩四君子四方筆筒

詩文：

銕榦冰花蓓蕾紅，墨勾不襲補之翁；
為文悟得同歸理，喜語難工苦易工。

春蘭今日識其真，一種王香最可親；
底事閒情遙望古，竭思澤畔品題人。

菊有黃華載禮經，何來紅紫幻多形；
茸儒充隱終無數，人有如斯物可聽。

風裏試披清奏籟，月中乍展宛飛龍；
一梢已占琅玕住，千畝如看煙雨重。

Spink & Son, Ltd.，倫敦
歐洲私人收藏
紐約佳士得2011年9月15日，編號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.