rocher impérial en lapis-lazuli inscrit d'un poème, et son socle en ivoire Chine, dynastie Qing, époque Qianlong (1736-1795)

finement sculpté en forme d'une montagne rocheuse plantée de pins avec deux sages sur une terrasse en conversation devant un pavillon, un poème titré "la peinture du martin pêcheur près du pavillon Lu" ciselé sur une grande paroi au dessus des deux lettrés, la pierre d'une intense couleur bleue avec des inclusions jaunes et rehauts dorés, sur un socle en ivoire curviligne et sculpté de pins  

Good overall condition. One tiny chip to the stick of the immortal on the left. Minor slight old wears. The ivory stand, made in three parts, is in good condition ; one flower on the top left side was probably inlaid, and has a tiny dent on one petal. The actual colour is slightly less red than on the catalogue illustration. The boulder and stand are both in very good condition. It should be noted that the lapis is of a bluer and less red tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest.
"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."

The boulder is inscribed with the Imperial poem titled Xuting nacui tushi "Poem on a Picture of Enjoying the Greenery at Pavilion in the Void". It is recorded in theYuzhi shiji  (Poetry Collection of His Majesty) Sanji (Third Collection), 99:11a. and was composed between 7^th day 6^th month and 10^th day 6^th month Qianlong 36, the year xinmao [17 July – 21 July 1771].

The text can read: Xuting ruoyi ju zuiwei/ Zengbu chuangling simian shi/ Zuozhe yingzhi you biejie/ Tu ta fengcui na wuyi (Pavilion in the Void, as if with wings, clings to the lofty mountain peak/ But lattticed windows are not put in, to face all four directions./ The painter should know different  interpretations of it exist,/Though here he pictures it so the peak greenery is enjoyed with nothing left out.)

Boulders carved in lapis lazuli are rare although one in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated in Zhongguo yuqi quanji, vol. 6, Shijiazhuang, 1993, pls. 262 and 263. Another on a jade stand, similarly carved with figures and a pavillion and inscribed with a poem is exhibited in the Le Shou Tan (Hall of Joyful Longevity) (fig.1). Compare also a slightly larger boulder carved with figures in landscape sold in our London rooms, 13^th November 1979, lot 269; and an inscribed boulder of larger dimensions sold at Christie's London, 16^th April 1985, lot 395. Another gilt-inscribed lapis lazuli boulder carved with figures strolling in a mountainous landscape amidst pine trees and pavilions was sold at Christie's London, 10th December 1990, lot 298.