清乾隆 白玉雕荷塘御製「敖漢蓮」插屏

of rectangular form, meticulously carved on one side in varying levels of relief with a scene depicting lotus pods, blossoms and leaves stemming from a pond with water ripples, the upper right corner accentuated with cloud swirls above an incised inscription from a poem by the Qianlong Emperor in praise of lotus blossoms, the translucent stone of an even white colour with faint russet inclusions cleverly picked out to highlight the large lotus leaves, wood stand

Overall good condition. There is a small chip to the edge of the petal on the right of the tallest lotus flower. Minute nicks to the extremities as can be expected.
"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."

白玉插屏描寫蓮塘平和靜謐之景，清漪漣漣，雲氤裊裊，對應蓮葉花苞之柔美線條，構圖單取畫面一隅，源思文人花鳥繪畫，玉匠雕景巧取石中紋理融入畫境，仿若墨韻之妙。

乾隆帝遍賞玉作，撰御製詩文成集，或題於器身。此白玉插屏以畫為題，御題詩則成畫中題跋，蓮出淤泥而不染，寓意學士入世而脫塵，猶為乾隆帝所愛。

類同雕作自然景色且書御題詩之插屏，可見一套四屏，單面作異草花卉紋，背面則題詩，為德安堂珍藏，錄於《玉緣：德安堂藏玉》，故宮博物院，北京，2004年，編號22，同錄還有二件插屏，一面作盆栽奇珍，另一面刻詩句，編號28、29。J.T. Wakefield 收藏一件菊紋玉屏， 圖紋上方亦刻詩詞，售於倫敦蘇富比1969年3月11日，編號11；另一例作梅花圖並題詩，售於香港蘇富比1991年4月30日，編號315，後於2007年5月29日售於香港佳士得，編號1385。