petit livre impérial en jade céladon pâle à cinq feuilles Chine, dynastie Qing, époque Qianlong (1736-1795)

le livre comprenant huit calligraphies attribuées à Wang Xizhi (303-361) en caractères courts tie incisés et dorés, la couverture inscrite du titre Yulin Wang Xizhi tie, calligraphies par Wang Xizhi recopiées par sa Majesté [Qianlong], l'intérieur du dos inscrit Wang Xizhi ba tiefa lin [modèles de calligraphies par Wang Xizhi (303-361)] avec deux cachets Bide [égaler la vertue] et Jirun [trouver le même éclat], la couverture et le dos sculptés en bas relief de dragons archaïques 

These pieces are in excellent condition, with the exception of tiny nicks to the corners of three plaques and natural flaws of the stone that run across the plaques. Please note that the plaques are a slightly more celadon tone than illustrated in the catalogue.
"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."

This finely carved book consists of eight short cursive tie (calligraphic models), original works ascribed to the great calligrapher Wang Xizhi (303-361), copied and emulated by the Qianlong Emperor. 
All these eight holographs are extracts of the Qinding chongke Chunhuage tie shiwen (By Order of His Majesty, New Edition of Explanations of Calligraphic Texts from the Pavilion of Pure Acculturation) (Siku quanshu ed.). The callygraphy #1 (inside cover) corresponds to the extract 4:5a-5b ; the callygraphy #2 corresponds to the extract 4:6a. The callygraphy #3 corresponds to the extract 4:8a. The callygraphy #4 to the extract 4:10b. #5 to the extract 5:4b. #6 to the extract 5:5a. #7 to the extract 5:6a. and #8 (inside back cover) to the extract 5:6b.

The Qinding chongke Chunhuage tie shiwen (By Order of His Majesty, New Edition of Explanations of Calligraphic Texts from the Pavilion of Pure Acculturation) included in the Siku quanshu is a reprint of the Chunhua ge tie shiwen complied by Wang Zhu ( fl. 992), which reproduces rubbings of stone inscriptions of earlier pieces of calligraphy then preserved in the Chunhua ge (Pavilion of Pure Acculturation), constructed within the Song Dynasty palace complex during the Chunhua era (990-994).  The work was then reprinted during the Kangxi era (1683), before the Qianlong emperor ordered it revised and printed once again.