Jade tablet and box A: Nephrite jade tablet, "kuei" . The large pale green carved tablet has streaks of grey running through it. It is tall and narrow, slightly tapering at the bottom and has a pointed top. The front is slightly rounded and is carved so that the features stand out in bas relief. The upper half has wavy wisps of clouds, that are interspersed with seven round knobs representing stars. (Bog dipper constellation). In the center surrounded by clouds is raised ring, "Pi", representing heaven. The lower section is carved with mountain and rocks, one on either side with a cloud floating in front. The bottom front has been carved into waves that curl up at either side. The back is flat with seal style characters engraved in two columns. The sixteen Chinese characters have been translated as: "People Follow From eight directions, The whole world be in good order, People with willingly heart from the four seas, the nation and the people all in peace and order." B: Case, oblong with attached lid, L: 26.625", W: 10.25", D: 2.25", made of wood covered on the top and sides with pale green and medium blue brocade. That has a pattern of bats, good luck characters, flowers and vines. Near the front at the top is a long strip of paper tape. The inside is padded and covered with royal blue silk. The tablet fits into a depression of the appropriate shape in the bottom of the case. On one side a blue ribbon is attached to keep the open lid from falling back. The bottom is covered with a brown cotton cloth. Condition: the top of the case is stained brown on two places and the brocade is wearing off the edges of the lid and the bottom. There is a C shaped stain on the bottom . Two fasteners are missing from the top of the lid and there is a rip part way across the top.

1999.031.001