AN IMPERIAL CALLIGRAPHIC ALBUM QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

ink on paper, comprising eight double-pages between zitan covers of a deep brown tone, the front cover incised with the title Yuzhi ti youzhenyi xuan fu and signed chen Ruan Yuan jingshu, and filled-in with gold pigment, the first and last pages of gold-flecked bright-orange coloured paper, each with an imperial seal mark to the centre, the remaning pages each inscribed in kaishu (standard) script on light pink paper with ten columns of inscription by Ruan Yuan and framed within feathery floral scrolls, and three additional imperial seals and two of the artist, the seals reading wufu wudai tang guxi tianzi bao, guxi tianzi, taishang huangdi zhibao, yi zisun, and tian'en baxun zhi bao

The overall condition is very good. There is one minor nick to the corner of the cover. There is a 10 cm tear to the inside orange paper. Two of the pages are slightly separated and needs regluing. The back cover has light wear to the surface.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Youzhenyi Xuan, ('Pavilion of True Meanings') is located in the western valley of the Summer Palace in Chengde, Hebei Province, and surrounded by a large mountain range.  Four gardens were built in the Youzhenyi Xuan from the twenty-fifth year of the Qianlong reign (1760). Considered one of the finest examples of Imperial architecture, Youzhenyi Xuan, together with its northern counterpart Wujinyi Xuan, ('Pavilion of Infinite Meanings') in the Yuanmingyuan, were Qianlong's favourite gardens. He spent many hours strolling and enjoying the idyllic setting of the gardens, and also composed one poem every year during his stay there. 

The present album, written on imperial paper decorated with a wave pattern border between original zitan covers, comprises ten poems written in dedication to the Youzhenyi Xuan.  The poems are recorded in the Yuzhi shiji (Imperial Poetry Collection) compiled in the Siku quanshu (Complete Library of the Four Treasuries), fifth collection (ji), 5-12.  The tens poems, dated from the fiftieth to the sixtieth year of the Qianlong reign (1785-1795), present Qianlong's thoughts and observations during the later years of his life.
 
Ruan Yuan (1764-1849), a native of Jiangsu Province, entered the court at the age of 25 through imperial examination. A much favoured official throughout his career, Ruan Yuan served three emperors in succession in the court.  He excelled in poetry and prose, and was an accomplished scholar and calligrapher.  

The present album was most likely compiled between 1795 and 1799; after the last poem was written in 1795 and prior to the death of the Qianlong emperor four years later.