AN AMBER 'PEACHES AND MONKEYS' PENDANT QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the transparent golden-brown amber with darker brown markings, finely carved in openwork in the form of two peaches and a lingzhi growing from leafy branches, two small monkeys clambering through the foliage and a bat flying near the fruits

Christie's New York, 29th March 2006, lot 244.

The overall condition is good.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For examples of  similarly styled pieces comparable to this amber carving, see an imperial pendant in the form of a peach included in the Exhibition of Ch'ing Dynasty Costume Accessories, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1986, cat. no. 224, together with a plaque-form amber pendant, cat. no. 226. Compare also a pendant of pebble form, carved in low relief with the 'three friends' motif, sold in these rooms, 8th October 2010, lot 2227; a carving of a phoenix perched on a rock, from the collection of Northwick Park, sold at Christie's London, 24th May 1965, lot 127; and another group carving of two small monkeys sold at Christie's New York, 21st September 2004, lot 58.

The imagery of monkeys, often mother and child, depicted with peaches represent the sacred monkey offering longevity. The monkey itself is an important symbol because of its name hou being a pun for high-ranking officials known as hou. A mother monkey carrying (bei) a baby monkey embodies the wish for many descendants (houbei).