AN IMPERIAL INSCRIBED HARDWOOD TABLE SCREEN

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AN IMPERIAL INSCRIBED HARDWOOD TABLE SCREEN
QIANLONG

The screen finely carved in high relief on one side with three scholars admiring a rocky landscape of willows, bamboo and pine trees with a cascading waterfall in the background and a pavilion in the foreground, the reverse inscribed in clerical style script with an imperial poem, all above a carved panel with four flaps extending from the corners of the screen, age cracks and minor losses
19 3/8 in. (49.2 cm.) high

Lot Essay

The poem can be translated as:

Waterfall cascading like white descending clouds,
under the pine trees a thick bramble forest gathers.
The slender footbridge straddles above stones smoothed by running water; ancient men who viewed the landscape will understand the mood.

Scholars appreciate and observe the bamboo,
served with tea and take pleasure in the view of harmonious spirits.
The Five nameless Sages also enjoyed (this) same scene,
with misty spectral colours reflecting on their faces.

Songs of the pine and sounds of waterfall in clear unison,
taking in the crisp tones as one strolls leisurely by the riverbank.
Lonely pavilion on a hill top glow with the disappearing clouds;
where else could you obtain a good verse besides drinking with Li Qinglian (Li Bai).

(US$5,000-8,000)

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