Lot Essay
The imperial Qianlong poem of five-character and seven-character stanza is published in Qing Gaozong Yuzhi Shiwen Quanji, 'An Anthology of Imperial Poetry and Prose Composed by Gaozong of the Qing Period', juan 9, no. 23, under the title, Guisi Chuntie Zi, 'Spring Invitation for the Guisi Year'. At the age of sixty-two, Qianlong composed this poem in the early spring after the sacrificial ceremony commemorating his ancestors, wishing for political and social stability as well as a favourable turn of events. The text corresponds well with the various auspicious motifs on the panel represented by the Shou, 'Longevity', characters. In addition, the formation of the five bats or wufu signifies the five blessings of long life, wealth, health, love of virtue and a natural death.