A PALE CELADON JADE 'MONKEY AND HORSE' GROUP
QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)
The recumbent horse is naturalistically modelled with its head lowered and its legs tucked under its body. The small monkey, which is clambering on its back, playfully tugs at the horse's reins. The stone is of a pale tone with some very minor russet areas.
4½ in. (11.5 cm.) long
來源
A private English collection, acquired in Hong Kong in the 1950s.
The image of the monkey on the horse signifies the auspicious wish for a swift promotion to a high rank of office, referring to the Chinese saying ma shang feng hou.