Important Chinese incised and parcel gilt ten-tablet celadon jade book, dated 1782, Comprising ten rectangular grey-green Hetian jade plaques; with cover plates incised and gilded with image of an ascending and descending dragon pursuing a flaming pearl and interior plates incised with Emperor Qianlong's account of visit to the imperial library Wenshuoge; tablets numbered at ends; with fitted, fancily-carved interlocking box adorned with yellow brocade silk depicting flying dragons. H: 9 1/2 in. W: 4 in. Estimate $200,000-400,000. Photo courtesy Freeman's

Philadelphia, PA- As value is continually attributed to timeless design, it’s no wonder that Asian Arts reigns among Freeman’s most anticipated sales.  Yet, when a rediscovered work of art contains a significant historical account, its value may appear to be anomalous and two-fold.   For its biannual Asian Arts sale on September 10th, 2011, Freeman’s will offer collectors two-fold value in a rare assortment of Sino-Tibetan bronzes, porcelain, snuff bottles and jade, most of which will be offered without reserve from a private New Jersey collection.

Of particular note in September’s sale is an important Chinese incised and parcel gilt ten-tablet celadon jade book, estimated for $200,000-$400,000.  It comprises ten rectangular grey-green Hetian jade plaques whose cover plates are incised and gilded with images of an ascending and descending dragon pursuing a flaming pearl.  The interior plates are incised with the Emperor Qianlong's account of a visit to the imperial library Wenshuoge.

The Qianlong Emperor (1736-1795) commissioned the creation of a vast, comprehensive encyclopedia called the Siku Quanshu. Compilation of all approved texts began in the year 1773 and commenced nearly ten years later with the final volume consisting of over 79,000 chapters containing all known relevant examples of Chinese history, philosophy, classics and poetry. The text contained within this jade book is a transcription of the Qianlong Emperor's written impressions following a trip to the Wenshuoge pavilion at the Shenyang imperial palace, one of four initial sites containing a copy of the Siku Quanshu.

“The technique employed in the creation of these tablets was mastered during the Qianlong Emperor's reign and resulted in many celebrated imperially-commissioned examples extant in private collections and museums such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art.  We are thrilled to have gained possession of these exquisite works and anticipate that they will attract an unprecedented number of international buyers to the upcoming sale.” -Rich Cervantes, Associate Specialist in Asian Arts at Freeman’s.

For a similar example, see Sotheby’s New York, Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, March 23, 2011, Lot 705.

Accompanying this extraordinary lot are several fine jade carvings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Combined they make up one of several very strong sections including the aforementioned snuff bottles, antique and Republic period porcelain, carved ivory, rare and unusual textiles, traditional paintings and more. 

Freeman’s welcomes all interested collectors, buyers, and Asian art enthusiasts to attend the exhibition on September 7th and September 8th from 10am to 6pm, and September 9th from 10am to 4:30pm.   The auction will begin promptly at 10am on Satturday, September 10th.