Four lush white Nephrite pieces in the form of a plaque. With the exception of the first and last plaques that each have one side decorated with an intricate high relief of two dragons, the plaques are inscribed in gold with the Ballad of the Old Cypress by an officer of Emperor Qianlong. In is like bronze, it's roots are like stone. Its frost-white bark has been worn away by rain; forty people could encircle it; jet black in colour it rises into the sky two thousand feet. Lord and minister held a timely meeting together; the tree is still cherished by the people. Clouds come and the vapour links the length of Wu Gorge; the moon comes out, and the cold penetrates the whiteness of the snowy mountains. One remembers that formerly the road wound round the pavilion east of the Jin River; the former lord and military official shared the remote shrine. The lofty trunk and branches have towered over this countryside since antiquity; hidden paintings within the doors of the shrine. Although isolated, it is entrenched in the earth; Reaching into the sky, high and alone, there is intense wind. It is supported by the power of the spirit; its uprightness originates in the work of Nature. A great building, if it leans, needs beams and poles; Ten thousand oxen turn their heads; it is as heavy as a mountain. It does not reveal its hidden meaning, yet the world is already stunned; It does not reject being felled, but who could move it? How can the bitter heart of the tree avoid enduring crickets and ants; its fragrant leaves are in the end home to phoenixes. Gentlemen aspiring to benevolence – do not complain or lament; since ancient times, talent has been hard to use. The last plaque features two two-character seals, Bi De and Lang Run. It is dated as being from winter of the Dingmao Year.

With its polished texture and beautiful carvings, this set of white jade plaques with sophisticated calligraphy inscriptions is not only aesthetically to the eye, but also rich in meaning.

Footnote: Dingmao Year is 1747A.D.

L: 5.9 cm