White jade figure 'monkeys', Qing dynasty, Qianlong

Hetian white jade figure, carved pure white, with reddish-golden flecks. It depicts a monkey mother with her offspring. The mother is holding a peach in one hand and her offspring are next to her body. The details stand out for their good representation, delicacy and naturalistic pose. In very good condition. Carved jade animals were most popular from the Song to the Qing dynasty. The uses for the carvings were diverse: paperweight, pendant or 'toy' for scholars. 

This type of white jade with properties are stable, has a colour that blends with the white hue of the jade and is dipped in texture. The colour of the skin is due to concentration of iron oxide and is distributed in dots or flakes in the pores of the surface. 

Monkeys represent longevity, as well as "代代封侯" (blessings for longevity), when accompanied by a peach. Generations of descendants are a gift in traditional Chinese culture. 

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

Size: 7.5 x 4 x 6.7 cm; Weight: 221 g