The Nine Elders of 
Hsiangshan, Carved in 
Aloeswood
Yang Wei-chan
Ch'ing Dynasty (A.D. 1644-
1911)
Height           20.7cm
     Fragrant  aloeswood  
is used for this carving 
of an elegant literary 
gathering of nine elders, 
portraying a scene described 
by the T'ang poet Po Chu-i  
when he and his friends 
lived  as  recluses  at 
Hsiangshan.  The piece is 
embellished with a poem
written by the Ch'ien-lung 
Emperor (A.D. 1736-1795)
and bears the artist's  
colophon "Your humble servant
Yang Wei-chan."