A carved dark blue Lapis Lazuli boulder
一塊雕刻深藍色青金石原石

Qianlong period 1735-1796 AD China
清 乾隆時期（西元1736-1795年）中國

Length: 19.5cm Width: 2.5cm Height: 9.5cm (With base: 11.8cm)

The boulder formed as a mountain and skilfully carved with a continuous scene depicting on one side, a scholar and an attendant conversing on a flight of steps before several pavilions, all surrounded by jagged rockwork, the idyllic setting further decorated with a crane below overhanging tall pine trees. The reverse similarly rendered with impressive boulders and a recumbent doe resting on a bridge above a gushing stream. The stone of a rich royal blue colour accentuated with streaks of gold fleck and milky-white inclusions. Wood stand.