AN INSCRIBED MINIATURE BOOK WITH POEM BY JIN JIAN QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

comprising eight leaves, each further subdivided with eleven columns in red and framed within a border of elaborate foliate and floral scrolls in olive-green, inscribed in standard script with a long poem followed by a signature and two artist seals, bound between zitan covers inscribed with the characters 'yu zhi shan ji wu jing shi' (Imperial poem on a dancing pheasant mirror by Imperial command)

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 25th April 2004, lot 84.

As one can see from the catalogue illustration, there are a few minor stains to the paper, but in general, this piece of artwork has generally been well preserved and is in fine condition for its age and type. From our reading of the interior text, there is potentially one leaf that is missing. Please note that the measurement of the piece is correct, thus making it just slightly smaller than in the photograph. This album has an old cotton case.
"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 miniature book would have been commissioned to accompany a fanciful bird-cage automaton, such as the bird-cage clock in the Palace Museum Beijing, illustrated in Guo Fuxiang, Ming Qing Huangdi Yu Zhongbiao, Beijing, 2002, p.13. The poem in the book translates as follows:

Imperial poem on a dancing pheasant mirror

A seven-character regulated parallel poem in twelve rhymes adopting the 'Shan' rhythm

This well-known bird came from the land of Jing (Hunan province),
Dancing to the caltrop flowers, it looks refined.
I open the treasure box to see unexpectedly something unsullied,
Astonished upon first sight by the variegated colours of the carved columns.
Loitering to the rhythm and extending wings like a brocade,
[missing passage].
So outstanding among other gulls and birds, it fascinates the guests.
It cherishes its countenance like a beauty,
Tucking in its cloud-like wings, it stands prominently with starry eyes of faltering focus.
Moon's reflection in a dressing case of water of equally divided shadow,
Lines of yuan luan birds fly one after another.
Lifting its robust wings proudly only for the void luminosity,
It is too happy to return to the mountains.
The green ribbon hung from the eaves tossing in the breeze,
Spring is warming while patches of lichen are thickening to a cushion.
With wishes to boast its gracefulness at that moment,
One can thus realise something of comfort and leisure within this piece.

Calligraphy by minister Jin Jian
With two seal marks Chen and Jian