Page 34 - Sotheby's Sir Quo Wei Lei Collection Oct. 3, 2018
P. 34
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.
