B53

Chalcedony, pale brown with a small opaque white area skillfully carved to depict a monkey holding a peach crouching on rocks, his tail simply carved and fur realistically marked, the reverse with two insects; the well hollowed bottle of rounded form.

Chinese, 1750-1860
Stopper: jadeite with chased metal collar
Provenance: S. Marchant, London 1979
Height: 5.3cm

The monkey is the ninth creature of the Chinese Zodiac, and also plays a leading part in South Chinese and Tibetan legend. A monkey is often depicted holding a peach, which is a symbol of longevity and was stolen, according to the legend 'Journey to the West', from the peach garden of Xiwang mu by a monkey, Sun, who later became an Immortal. The peach is also the symbol held by Shulao, the God of longevity.

Zodiac sign / Monkey