China, 19th to mid-20th century. Of rectangular form, the top and bottom carved with ruyi clouds, one side finely carved with a scholar holding a staff and his attendant crossing a bridge over a a neatly incised river towards a pavilion, framed by a towering pine tree, rockwork, and clouds, the reverse inscribed with a poem by the Qianlong Emperor. The translucent stone of a white tone with cloudy inclusions.

Inscriptions: The reverse with the Imperial poem written by the Qianlong Emperor and two seals, 'San' and 'Long'.

Provenance: British trade.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, minuscule nibbling, the coral bead with a small chip and natural fissures.

Weight: 38.7 g
Dimensions: Length 5.9 cm

The top with a small aperture suspending a string with a carved coral bead.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie's London, 17 May 2013, lot 1326
Price: GBP 6,875 or approx. EUR 12,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A white jade carved Li Bai plaque, 18th/19th century
Expert remark: Compare the related manner of carving, white color, scholarly motif, calligraphic inscription, and size (6.1 cm).

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Bonhams London, 8 November 2012, lot 206
Price: GBP 25,000 or approx. EUR 45,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A white jade plaque, 19th century
Expert remark: Compare the related manner of carving, white color, scholarly motif, poetic inscription, and size (5.2 cm).