Lot Essay
The plaque is inscribed with two poems by Fan Chengda (1126-1193). One is the Jizaoci, the second one is the Koushuzhou xing. Both poems are evoking what is called the 'small New Year' which is the first day of New Year celebration in China. On the 24th day of the 12th month, the family offers sacrifices to the god of the house who will leave the house to make his report on the behaviour of the household.
The last five verses of Koushuzhou xing are missing on the present plaque which indicates that this plaque was originally part of a pair, the second screen bearing the end of the poem.
The last five verses of Koushuzhou xing are missing on the present plaque which indicates that this plaque was originally part of a pair, the second screen bearing the end of the poem.