B55

Chalcedony, opaque brown with a russet and black inclusion carved to depict a cavernous area with a crouched monkey holding a large peach; the well hollowed bottle of bulbous form.

Chinese, 1750-1860
Stopper: rose quartz
Provenance: Hugh Moss Ltd, London, 1975
Height: 4.9cm

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. The monkey and peach story is depicted here with great intensity, as the monkey appears to be protecting his prize from within the cave.

Zodiac sign / Monkey