清乾隆 御製青玉交龍鈕《大觀堂寶》璽

印文：大觀堂寶

印台四邊刻乾隆御題詩四首：



（一）



行館天寧側，文㮰額大觀；省方協中正，設教戒遊盤；式展九歌義，匪求一已安；增華稍踵事，為愧不因歡；民力雖無藉，商財詎可殫；舜巡知弗逮，禹德繼誠難。



壬午暮春月，御題 【刻印】：古香 太僕



（二）



南巡重蒞止，寜為恣娛觀；展也必由義，樂兮敢涉盤；何來此有覺，恧若未遑安；益勵甄心戒，深防適已歡；餘閒聊可棄，精蘊亦因殫；在上思羲象，夔夔祗見難。



乙酉仲春月， 御題 【刻印】：古香 太僕



（三）



大觀玩象羲經示，設教省方義最該；有休民敷政化，寧因適已事徘徊；神心契處忘今昔，天下為家那去來；理萬幾餘得清暇，拈毫也覺暢吟材。



庚子仲春月， 御題 【刻印】：古香 太僕



（四）



渡江北上此維舟，信宿仍教兩日留；花事南邦未雲謝，樹陰夏院已加稠；觀民觀我中心忖，曰旦曰明逝水流；一再題吟泐齋壁，自思結習可忘不。



庚子清和月， 再題 【刻印】：古香 太僕

It is in excellent condition except for a tiny chip on one of the corners (near the character 'guan') accompanied by a small associated crack.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The inscription on the face reads: DA GUAN TANG BAO ("Seal of the Hall of Great Observation"). The inscriptions on the sides are four poems written by the Qianlong Emperor, all about the Da Guan Tang in Yangzhou where he stayed during his inspection tours to the south. They can be translated as:

(1)  

In the palace, at the side of the Tianning Temple 

Is a panel above the door, inscribed "Great Observation".

I have come to assist in righteousness and order,

To establish learning, but no roaming and lingering.

I make a display to show the meaning of the nine songs, 

Not to seek personal satisfaction for myself,

But to enhance the palace, should be of shame not delight.

Although there is no cost to the common people,

Is it right to rely on the wealth of merchants?

I know I cannot match the inspection tours of Shun

And how difficult it is to maintain the virtue of Yi.

(2)

My southern tour again stopped here, not for indulgence and entertainment.

The exhibition again is of essential teaching; although happy, I dare not take pleasure trips.

Where do these feelings come from? Shameful and ill at ease. 

I take it as a warning, a deterrent from personal pleasure.

I may renounce idleness, for it tangles and tires the spirit.

I look up at the stars above, but the constellations are hard to see.

(3)

The images in the Great Observation Hall illustrate the meaning of heaven.

Establishing teaching and its meaning is at the heart of everything.

It is essential to comfort the people, and carry out policies.

It is not for personal pleasure that I travel around.

When my heart meets the gods, we forget past and present.

The world becomes my home, from where I come and go.

Amidst all the official business, I find a rare moment of peace

And enjoy the relief as my inkbrush twists out a poem. 

(4)

Crossing the river to the north on this little boat, 

To stay for two days in the palace, having meditation.

The flowers in the south are still in bloom,

The shadows of trees in the summer courtyard grow darker.

To see the people, to see myself, I must observe my heart

And say that the morning sun is bright and waters will flow

One after another, I write poems on my study wall

Privately acknowledging it is a habit I cannot give up.