A rare and large inscribed lavender jadeite rectangular table screen, Qing dynasty, 19th century | 清十九世紀 翡翠祥雲捧月圖大插屏

Collection of Dr. and Mrs. Frank L. Babbott, acquired in India, 1924.

Gifted to the Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, in 1971 (acc. no. 71.116.1).

來源

Frank L. Babbott 伉儷收藏，1924年得於印度

1971年贈予布魯克林博物館，布魯克林 (館藏編號71.116.1)

Vibrant shades of lavender, lilac, apple- and emerald-green coalesce on the surface of this table screen, suggesting visions of misty clouds, tall peaks, or ethereal landscapes. Seen together with its poetic four-character inscription, the screen encourages one to contemplate nature and conjure serene landscapes far removed from one's immediate confines of the studio. 

The present piece likely draws on the tradition of Ming and Qing marble 'dreamstone' panels that resembled ink paintings and evoked imaginary vistas. Its inscription recalls the practice of adding calligraphy or seals to 'dreamstone' panels, another allusion to literati painting. Although jadeite was known in China before the Qing period, it was only during the later 18th century that trade routes and supply from Burma were stabilized. Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908) was an ardent fan of the material. Most extant jadeite table screens are carved with designs, making this example particularly rare.

A plain lavender and green jadeite table screen with a zitan and mother-of-pearl-inlaid stand is in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, illustrated in James C. S. Lin, The Immortal Stone: Chinese Jades from the Neolithic Period to the Twentieth Century, London, 2009, pl. 130. Another with more even mottling was offered at Christie's New York, 22nd March 2012, lot 1923. For a plain spinach-green jade table screen that also belongs to this tradition, see one sold at Christie's London, 8th November 2011, lot 525.