QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

The characters on the current plaque indicate that the subject matter depicted is the story about the two well-known Spring and Autumn period ministers Guan Zhong and Bao Shuya. Before becoming prominent politicians in the State of Qi, Guan and Bao were business partners. Knowing Guan was a man of limited means, Bao was always willing to contribute a larger share of capital while taking up a smaller share of profit. Their story later came to represent timeless friendship, and the current plaque is very likely to be intended as a gift between friends.
The delicate carving on the plaque, cleverly utilising the dark-russet inclusions of the translucent stone, is characteristic of the workmanship of Suzhou workshops, most notable for the exceptional quality of their stone carvings.