清乾隆及嘉慶 「御墨」一組 《大清乾隆年製》、《乾隆年製》款

comprising an ink the form of a bianqing with archaistic scrolls and raised bosses, a four-character Qianlong mark to the side; rectangular ink with decorative borders enclosing ke xin bieshu ('villa of satisfaction') and further gilt inscriptions on the reverse, signed Cao Sugeng; another rectangular ink with chrysanthemum and peony, inscribed yu mo above xiao yan han xiang ('colourful and fragrant in the cold dawn') and a seal impression all in gilt; a fragmentary oval ink with a tree and an indistinct gilt inscription, the reverse with a poem and signature on the side; and a stylised fish, inscribed in gilt yu mo ('imperial ink') with a six-character Qianlong mark

《曉艷寒香》黑墨：
北畠雙耳及北畠五鼎，《文房四宝入門》，東京，2006年，頁174-6

There is a chip to the upper right section of the fish-shaped 'yumo' ink (visible in the catalogue photo), together with further age cracks in areas. Left rectangular ink: In fair condition with some expected wear and a few small chips along the edges; the gilding on the incised character is somewhat faded. Half of the top of the other 'yumo' rectangular ink cake has been broken off and been reaffixed with some further cracks along the side (visible in the catalogue photo). The chime-shaped ink cake (dated Qianlong) is in overall good condition, with traces of gilding remaining in the archaistic motifs on one side. The last inkcake (unillustrated) is broken and stuck back together with one large section missing to the upper left with losses of material.
"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."

A similar fish-shaped ink, from the Qing court collection and still in Beijing, was included in the exhibition Shincho Kyutei Bunka Ten (Qing Dynasty Arts of Court), Japan-China Friendship Center Museum, Tokyo, 1989, cat. no. 62.