A WHITE JADE CARVING OF TWO MONKEYS WITH A PEACH CHINA, POSSIBLY QING DYNASTY OR LATER Carved out of a single piece of stone of flawless white tone. It depicts two seated and coiled monkeys with a peach. Its base is finely carved to depict the monkeys’ tails and feet. With a desirable and sweet polish. H: 4,2 cm Weight: 96,2 grams Notes: 1. The motif of monkey and peach has been popular in Chinese art since the tale of ‘Xiyou ji’ (西遊記 - Journey to the West), published in the Ming dynasty, narrating the story of a monkey (the Monkey King Sun Wukong - 孙悟空) stealing a celestial peach of longevity from the orchard of the Queen Mother of the West. Naturally, the symbolism is one of longevity as the peach (tao - 桃) symbolizes marriage, spring, justice and especially Daoist immortality. 2. A similar carving of a single monkey holding a peach was sold at SOTHEBY'S London, UK, 2013-11-06, lot 28, for GBP 110,500. A carving of similar large size and subject matter is illustrated in Robert Kleiner: Chinese Jades from the Collection of Alan and Simone Hartman, Hong Kong, 1996, pl. 188 and sold at Christie's Hong Kong on 27th November 2007, lot 1557 白玉雕刻-灵猴献仙桃 中国，可能为清代 NOTE: CONDITION REPORTS AND MEASUREMENTS It is up to the bidder to satisfy themselves prior to buying as to the condition of a lot. In relation to Condition Reports, whilst we make certain observations on the lot, which are intended to be as helpful as possible, references in the condition report to damage or restoration are for guidance. The absence of such a reference does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. The condition report is an expression of opinion only and must not be treated as a statement of fact. Measurements and weight are approximate and the potential bidder may re-ask it to be checked when asking for a condition report.