A SOAPSTONE INLAID XIXIANG JI PANEL, QIANLONG
China, 1736-1795. The pavilion and figures are exceptionally well carved with a scene from Romance of the Western Chamber. The silk background is neatly painted with scenic details.

Provenance: Previously the property of a gentleman.
Condition: Absolutely original with no missing or replaced pieces. Minor natural flaws and fissures to soapstone. The silk with minor wear, soiling and losses. The pigments very well preserved. Some gaps between inlaid soapstone segments have widened slightly over time, but these are not damages. One segment of the pavilion has a crack and became loose. Very good overall condition.

Weight: 464 grams
Dimensions: 28 x 21 cm

The soapstone is embellished with gilding and polychrome pigments, the garments, fans and architectural structures with incredibly fine incisions, which can only be enjoyed to full extent under a magnifying glass. Note the minuscule soapstone-inlaid butterfly flying through the scene!

Antique western frames with original ‘aesthetic paper’ backing, behind glass, dating to the earlier 20th century.

Auction result comparison: Compare with a related set of soapstone plaques at Bonham’s San Francisco, December 13th, 2010, lot 5121, dated to late Qing/Republic Period.

乾隆皂石鑲嵌《西廂記》鑲板
中國，1736-1795。人物和庭院雕刻精美，來自小説《西廂記》故事場景。絹底設色繪製場景細節。

來源： 紳士遺產
品相：絕對原始，沒有遺失或修補。皂石上有輕微天然肌理，絹上有輕微磨損和污漬。色彩保存完好，皂石鑲嵌処縫隙因爲時間推移略有擴大，但沒有損壞。亭子上有一處開裂。總體品相良好。

重量： 464 克
尺寸： 28 x 21 厘米