A copy of the inscription from a late-19th century stone tablet in Baidicheng, an ancient fortress and temple complex on an islet in the Yangzi River near Fengjie town in Sichuan, China. The original tablet depicts a pair of phoenixes amongst peonies, overshadowed by a wutong tree, with inscription near the picture. The inscription tells how Baidicheng, literally meaning White Emperor City, was founded by the first-century general Gongsun Shu and named after the dragon-like swirls of white mist which gathered about a well there. It also recalls how Bao Chao [鮑超], retreated to Baidicheng and practised calligraphy. Bao Chao is also identified as the creator of the picture of the tablet.

The copy of the inscription is on tracing paper and is a copy of the complete inscription but none of the surrounding image.

The original envelope in which it was found has been kept with the inscription. Addressed to the Librarian of the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society it has been annotated by hand with details of the book in which the inscription was found and dating this discovery to 12 September 1972.

A 16-line poem entitled 'Tis Sixty Years Since', beginning with the line 'In the vain and everlasting flux and efflux of existence,' signed 'L. C. H.' The handwriting has been identified to be of Lionel Charles Hopkins, who served as the Vice President and a Councillor of the Society. Text on the other side of the document, in a different hand, reads 'Mrs E. Clark at 49 De Laune Street, Kennington', who appears to be the recipient of the document, from 'G[eorge] Justin Lynskey, KC, New Court, Temple'.