AN IMPERIAL JADE-INLAID CINNABAR LACQUER WALL VASE INSCRIBED WITH A POEM BY HONGLI (1711-1799), QIANLONG PERIODThe poem inscribed on the jade plaque wasposed by Hongli (1711-1799), better known as the Qianlong Emperor (reigned from 1736-1795). It is recorded in Qing Gaozong yuzhi shiwen quanji (Anthology of Imperial Qianlong Poems and Texts), volume 3, juan 58, page 19, figure 1, and can be translated as follows:Jade carved into flowers are fragrant like orchids,Between the garden steps, a few are elegantly planted.Who knows their essential beauty?Youdu, once asked this, answered with "Xie An".China, 1736-1795. Finely cast from gilt-bronze into baluster form flattened on one plane, mounted on the body with a shaped yellowish-celadon jade plaque inscribed in clerical script with a thirty-one-character Imperial poem, all surrounded by superbly carved blossoms of peony, chrysanthemum, and prunus borne on leafy branches against a diaper ground, framed by bands of prunus blossoms below the neck and above the foot, the neck flanked by two short tubular handles incised with scroll.Provenance: From the collection of Dr. Wou Kiuan. Wou Lien-Pai Museum, coll. no. . Dr. Wou Kiuan (1910-1997) was a Chinese diplomat and noted scholar of Chinese art. His father, Wou Lien-Pai (1873-1944), was one the leading political figures of early 20th century China, remembered for his role as speaker and leader of parliament during the turbulent years of the Republican era. Dr. Wou himself embarked on an illustrious career in diplomacy until his retirement in 1952, when he settled in London and devoted the rest of his life to the study of Chinese art. It was no doubt fortuitous that Dr. Wou’s years of collecting coincided with an abundant availability of exceptional Chinese art on the London market. From the mid-1950s to the late 1960s he was able to form a collection of well over 1,000 works that together represented virtually every category of Chinese art. At the heart of Dr. Wou’s drive to collect was a burning desire to preserve the relics of China’s rich historical past scattered across Europe, and to promote Chinese art and culture. It is unclear when Dr. Wou conceived of the idea to create a place to house his collection, but in 1968 he opened the doors to the Wou Lien-Pai Museum, named in honor of his father. Over the years the Museum became a ‘must see’ destination for collectors, academics, and visiting dignitaries, and Dr. Wou would delight in leading his visitors through the galleries, recounting stories of China’s glorious history.Condition: Superb condition with expected minor wear, few minuscule nicks, the back with light surface scratches, the wood base with a small chip. Fine, naturally grown patina overall.Weight: 512.2 gDimensions: Height 18.6 cmMounted on a short wood base, probably zitan and dating from the same period. (2)Hongli was the fourth son of Yongzheng and born t