depicting a monkey clambering atop a recumbent horse and grasping its mane with one hand, the stone of a greyish-celadon colour with extensive black patches skilfully utilised to render the head and right side of the horse.

Property from the Hei-Chi Collection.

Provenance: Collection of Tingsong Shuwu.

Literature: Jiang Tao and Liu Yunhui, Jades from the Hei-Chi Collection, Beijing, 2006, p. 175.

Exhibited: Chinese Jade Carving, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1983, cat. no. 278.
The Radiant Ming 1368-1644 through the Min Chiu Society Collection, Hong Kong Museum of History, Hong Kong, 2015-2016, cat. no. 183.

Note: Such a carving would have been presented to an aspiring official, as the depiction of a monkey atop a horse forms the rebus Ma shang feng hou, conveying the wish for a speedy promotion.

Compare two related Ming dynasty horse and monkey groups included in the exhibition Chinese Jade Animals, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. nos 152-153.

 Sotheby's. Monochrome II, 9 October 2020, Hong Kong