Painting depicting the portrait of "Lady Gan", China, late Qing period Ink on paper decorated with a young woman seated on an armchair carved from a root next to a table in the same style on which sits a figure of a young beauty in jade. At top right an inscription: 玉人颜色夫人貌 一样蛾眉见嫉深, which could be translated as: "the lady's beauty equals that of jade. Her arched eyebrows, like a butterfly's, attract deep jealousy". Followed by the inscription: 松富务举法 Sōng Fù Wù jǔ fǎ, which could be a signature. 84 x 40 cm at sight This painting was inspired by an engraving illustrating an episode in the Roman des Trois Royaumes. Liu Bei, founder of the Shu Han state during China's Three Kingdoms period, had "Lady Gan" as his first concubine. Liu Bei owned a three-foot jade figurine that he kept in Lady Gan's apartment. It is said that his body was as white and smooth as this precious sculpture, and that it was difficult for him to tell them apart. However, the jealousy of the other concubines grew, fueled by Lady Gan's beauty and the presence of the figurine. Wise, she advised Liu Bei to get rid of this bewitching treasure, as infatuation breeds suspicion. He followed her advice and parted with the sculpture.