CHINE, Dynastie Qing, Règne de l’Empereur Qianlong,... Lot n° 154

Rare and important commemorative panel. Rectangular in shape, the central part consists of a blue lacquered wood panel featuring the auspicious sinogram "Fú" (福), meaning "Happiness", in relief and gilded at its center. The character is framed by raised, gold-painted inscriptions in Manchu: At the top "By decree "Hesei Left: "On the date of February 11th, of the 46th year of the reign of Emperor Qianlong (corresponding to the year 1746)" "Wehiyehe i dehi ningguci aniya juwe biyai juwan emu de" Right: Appointment of our slave Fu Erdan as general protector and defender awarded for his merits. "Gungge i jergi buhe seremšeme tuwakiyara jiyanggiyūn aha Bunboi de šangnahangge" The zitan wood frame is richly carved with a decoration in light relief of eight dragons with sinuous bodies, among teeming clouds, each pair of dragons represented facing each other around a longevity character "Shou" (in medallions). The present piece is one of the few surviving Qianlong Emperor's blessing panels. This type of decorative and honorary panel, bearing the word "Fu", translated here as "blessing", appeared in the second and thirtieth years of Qianlong's reign, and became a regular gift from the Emperor. Every year, around New Year's Day, the Emperor would offer his blessing to his ministers in charge of the interior and exterior of the Empire, to thank them for their services. After receiving the "Fu" blessing, the officials were asked to respond to the Emperor, thanking him for his kindness. Once the Emperor had granted his blessing, a panel was made, usually in precious wood, on which his words were inscribed. H. 94.5 - L. 126 (with frame) H. 58 - W 89.5 cm (unframed). Weight Between 40 and 60 kg approx. (The central part of the panel is worn, missing and repainted). We would like to thank Mr. Nicolas Fondraz for his help in translating the Manchu inscriptions.