Jade pendant 'monkeys', Qing dynasty, Qianlong

Pure carved Hetian white jade pendant. Both animals are attached to a sack with natural posture and carved in great detail. It refers to the term "代代封侯" (Dài dài fēng hóu) which refers to nobility. In ancient times, officials did not pass on their position to their offspring, unlike knights. Therefore, being made a knight or marquis was the ultimate goal. There are many jade items with the euphemistic name "Marquis from generation to generation", which means double good luck. Also, the word monkey is a homophone of "Hou" (候), which means "to wait", indicating that good luck and wealth are to come.

At the top is a decorative cord.

Provenance: Important collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980.

Size: 8.4 x 2.8 x 5.5 cm; Weight: 194 g