Ding Erzhong (1865-1935), cyclically dated to the winter of Jihai, corresponding to 1899 and of the period Finely painted on one side with two cranes standing on rockwork under a gnarled pine tree amongst grass and flower sprays, inscribed 己亥冬月 二仲寫 Jihai dongyue erzhong xie, which may be translated as 'Erzhong painted in the winter month of the year of Jihai', the other side painted with a pagoda amidst wind-swept trees in a mountainous landscape, inscribed 筱舫觀察大人雅鑒 二仲 庾, which may be translated as 'Erzhong, Yu, for the elegant judgment of Xiaofang, the honourable Surveillance Commissioner', with stopper. 6.1cm (2 3/8in) high (2).