An exceptional white and russet jade brushpot, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period | 清乾隆 白玉雕進寶圖筆筒

An exceptional white and russet jade brushpot

Qing dynasty, Qianlong period

清乾隆 白玉雕進寶圖筆筒

of cylindrical form raised on five splayed ruyi-form feet, deftly carved in varying levels of relief with a continuous landscape enclosing a single scholar mounted on horseback preceded by an attendant pushing a wheeled cart surmounted by a songbird, the group traversing a narrow ravine with steep rockfaces rising to either side, the expansive surrounding landscape dotted with tiered pavilions and overhanging pine and wutong trees, to one side the rocks part to reveal a gentle creek crossed by an arched bridge supporting a single egret raised on one leg, large expanses of the surface left uncarved to express the pure white coloration of the stone, occasionally enhanced with patches of russet staining 

Height 7 ⅜ in., 18.7 cm