Page 46 - Scholarly Works of Art Hong Kong Sothebys March 3 2019

fig. 1
Qing gaozong yuzhi shiwen quanji [anthology of imperial qianlong poems and text], yuzhi shi san ji [imperial poetry, vol. 3], juan 37, p. 24
圖一
《清高宗御製詩文全集．御製詩三集》，卷37，頁24

Jade pattern blurred by mud, its sheen is veiled, the Han-dynasty jade bi mounted in a zitan table screen was
An aspect like a wise old man, weather-beaten but presented to the Emperor by eunuch Ruyi.
not broken. The present table screen, with the sides of the archaic jade
The beauty before my eyes more than a thousand bi and the reverse of the zitan screen both engraved with
years old, coherent poems, is a notable work of art combining history
Proportions calculated, circles well rounded, in and art. It demonstrates the Qianlong Emperor’s artistic soul
admirable harmony. in advocating antiquity as a source of inspiration for modern
Cut and polished, and yet not over-worked, designs, and the depth of his personal involvement in his
Its original spirit is well preserved, collection.
Its fine grain well protected. What a treasure!
Several similar zitan screens holding ancient jade bi discs
were made for the Qianlong Emperor and inscribed with his
According to the Zaobanchu Archives of the Qing Imperial poems, most of them today preserved in the National Palace
Household Department, on 19th day of the 3rd month of the Museum, Taipei. Four related examples with grain-patterned
28th year of the Qianlong reign (corresponding to 1763), bi, are illustrated in Ch’in Hsiao-yi, Illustrated Catalogue of
the Emperor was presented with a Han-dynasty jade bi by Ancient Jade Artifacts in the National Palace Museum, Taipei,
the eunuch Ruyi. The Qianlong Emperor commissioned a 1982, pls 63, 68, 188 and 189. Only two related screens,
table screen to be made for the piece, and requested for a both with plain bi discs, appear to be known outside the
drawing to be submitted prior to the making of the screen. National Palace Museum, both sold in our rooms, one with
On the 28th day of the 3rd month, the table screen for an inscription dated in accordance with 1774, sold in London,
which the drawing had been approved will be made, and 29th March 1977, lot 180; the other with its inscription
the eunuch Ruyi presented the Han-dynasty jade bi for the apparently undated, sold in these rooms, 15th November
combination of the works. On the 14th day of the 5th month, 1989, lot 503.

44 SOTHEBY ’S SCHOLARLY AND IMPERIAL WORKS OF ART