18TH CENTURY

Details

A WHITE JADE SHAPED RECTANGULAR PLAQUE
18TH CENTURY
One side is well carved with a scene of the Northern Song poet, Mi Fu, accompanied by an attendant, bowing to a tall, pierced rock, and on the reverse with a lengthy inscription referring to the scene, and a seal, zhen (treasure). The semi-translucent stone is of even white color.
1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm.) high

Provenance

Lizzadro Collection, Elmhurst, Illinois, acquired prior to 1960.

Brought to you by

Olivia Hamilton

asianartny@christies.com +1 212 636 2180

Lot Essay

The inscription is taken from the poem, An inscription on the Painting of Mi Fu Bowing to a Stone, by the Yuan master Ni Zan, and may be translated as 'Mi Zhang [Mi Fu] loves inkstones and hence loves stones; who becomes obsessed in searching for beautiful and rare pieces. He paints a work portraying himself before a stone calling it "big brother"; the reputation of his eccentricity is indeed well deserved.'

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