Lot 61. A jade carving of a horse and monkey, Qianlong period (1736-1795); 8.9cm length of tortoise; 7.6cm length of ram (2). Sold for US$15,300 (Estimate US$4,000 - 6,000). © Bonhams 2001-2023

Carved in the round a recumbent horse with its head turns back, the mane and tail finely incised, a monkey sitting on the rump with its arms stretched to play with the horse, the celadon color jade smoothly polished showing russet color inclusions.

Provenance: From the Collection of Richard S. du Pont, Delaware.

Note: The naughty monkey (feng hou 瘋猴) on horseback (ma shang 馬上) serves as a rebus, delivers an auspicious message to the recipient "may you soon be promoted in rank" (ma shang feng hou 馬上封侯).