A large basin in nephrite Khotanese jade carved from a jade boulder, China, late Qing period, early 19th century

8,5 x 35 cm

A large inscribed jade 'dragon' basin, late Qing dynasty.

In good condition with only minor expected wear to the interior and small chips and nicks to the carving.

Carved out of a large jade boulder of Khotanese semi-translucent green jade with brown veining, the washer is finely decorated with three dragons amidst clouds carved in relief and openwork. The base is incised with a fifty-six-character poem by the Qianlong Emperor composed in the 癸丑 guichou year, corresponding to 1793, followed by two small carved seals: a third large square seal is carved on the right of the poem. The semi-translucent jade is green with a few darker veins and spots. Comes with its own fitting dark wood stand.

御制诗

枚枚青鎖與銀鋪，一例都京制度符。

體以帝王御宮殿，心惟黎庶奠寰區。

酌斟奢儉臨中國，環衛旗民壯遠圖。

敬仰戎衣未解際，依然有暇示規模。

The inscription reads:

The palace doors, beautifully carved with motifs and ornaments, comply with the architectural standards of the capital. The emperor who resides there always has the welfare of his people at heart. He believes that the country should be governed with a balance of luxury and frugality and that it is necessary to take care of the people to ensure lasting development. Despite my military commitments, I always find time to admire the majesty of this palace!