A pair of famille rose monkeys - Qianlong

Each modelled seated on a rockwork base, with one arm raised holding a peach and the other scratching its body, the head flanked by prominent ears, with bulging black eyes set against pink and a wide nose, the hair denoted by cross-hatched brown enamelling, the base enamelled in green, pink and cream. 20cm (7¾in) high. (2.) - Estimate: £5,000 - 8,000

Footnote: Monkey ('hou') is a pun for a high-ranking noble equivalent to marquis. It also symbolises longevity and is often shown carrying the peach of Immortality, as in the present example.

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Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 12 May 2008. New Bond Street