Lot 71. A pair of 'dreamstone' marble-inset panels, Qing dynasty; 15 1/2  by 20 7/8  in., 39.4 by 53 cm. Estimate 10,000 — 15,000 USD. Lot sold 12,500 USD. Photo: Sotheby's.

each wood panel inset with nine shaped marble stones, the marble well-figured with variegated gray, brown and green veins depicting mountain ranges shrouded in misty clouds, some with traces of inscriptions in black enamel and red-painted seal impressions, framed (2). 

Note: Variegated marble, used in screens or panels, was popular amongst scholars during the Ming and Qing dynasties for its evocative qualities, conjuring up imaginary scenes and landscapes, hence the frequently used term 'dreamstone' panels. These treasured ‘dreamstones’, also known as ‘stone paintings', were often made of marble quarried from Dali, Yunnan province.

Sotheby's. Monochrome, New York, 15 sept. 2015