清乾隆 青白玉御題詩梅菊圖玉屏

The verses inscribed on this boulder are recorded in Qing Gaozong yuzhi shiwen quanji [Anthology of Imperial Qianlong Poems and Texts], vol. 1, juan 24, p. 7, and vol. 3, juan 16, p. 16, may be translated as follows:

Jade plum blossoms, their fine form imbued with immortal grace,

Their heads lean out with the spring spirits, to lead the blooming masses.

Should the Eastern Emperor afford them first rank,

Their southern branches would come together to crown the flower scholars.

Its silken leaves of precious jade, like true emerald stone,

Its flowers draped with amber, like veritable gold.

The Bin Wind in the eighth month raises up a toast,

While still the immortals’ villages are soaked in heavy dew.

Compare a closely related example inscribed with the same Qianlong poem in the collection of Humphrey K. F. Hui, exhibited in Virtuous Treasures: Chinese Jades for the Scholar’s Table, University Museum and Art Gallery, Hong Kong, 2008, cat. no. 52.