Leilão Bidspirit | White jade and gilded bronze

White jade and gilded bronze panel, ‘Landscape and Poem’, Qing dynasty - An exceptional desk panel comprising a large rectangular slab of pale celadon white jade with areas of ochre river-washed bark, set within a sumptuous architectural base of chiselled and gilded bronze, inlaid with cabochons in shades of ruby and emerald. The obverse of the slab features a relief depicting a Taoist scene from ‘Laozi leaving the Hangu Pass’, showing the philosopher riding an ox led by an attendant amongst mountain crags, pavilions and pine trees beneath swirling clouds. The reverse features an extensive engraved imperial poem accompanied by court seals. Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) or later. Overall size: 52.2 x 40 x 20 cm; Jade height: 27 cm