Rare paire de paravents en zitan sculpté et panneaux en laque incrustés Dynastie Qing, XVIIIE/XIXE siècle

chaque paravent à quatre feuilles, chaque feuille laquée bleu à décor incrusté de jade et autres pierres dures multicolores formant des branches fleuries accompagnées d'un poème impérial, la partie basse ornée d'un cartouche rectangulaire incrusté de motifs géométriques archaïsants en jade céladon et jade vert épinard, le revers agrémenté de branches chargées de fruits finement peintes en laque rouge et or sur fond noir, la partie basse sculptée en relief de motifs géométriques archaïsants (2)

Acquired in Hong Kong in the 1950s.
Thence in the family by descent.

The individual panels of the paravent have been joined with metal parts at a later stage. The panels are in overall good condition. There are some losses to the inlays with small parts of leaves or petals missing. There are some later replacements to the inlays. Some of the inlaid characters also appear to have been replaced at a later stage. There are some minor losses and replacements to the jade inlais to the lower part of each panel. The blue lacquer ground is slightly dirty and has yellowed over time. There are some cracks and some overall light crackling to the surface. The zitan is of the gold-flecked type and is a thick veneer. The lacquer panels on the reverse are in overall good condition with some age cracks to the black lacquer ground as well as some minor wear and scratching to some of the paintined flowers and the ground. The colours of the inlays are vibrant with gold details.
"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."

Poetry Collection by His Majesty, Third Collection

Poem on Tea Blossoms by His Majesty 

Though it’s spring when the flagged spears
have extended their leaves,
Only with the ice and snow of autumn do 
their buds burst forth in bloom.
How very shameful, the east wind for
it pays them absolutely no heed,
And the human world only knows
how to judge their tender leaves.