Height 11.9 cm
475,000
72,500
2,287,500
420,000
1,250,000
170,000
475,000
72,500
2,287,500
420,000
1,250,000
170,000
13.4 cm
9.2 cm
15 cm
8.8 cm
Provenance
From the private collection of Anthony Gustav de Rothschild. Gifted to his daughter Renée Robeson. Thence by descent within the same family. Anthony Gustav de Rothschild (1887-1961) was born in London as the third youngest of three sons of the banker Leopold de Rothschild. He studied at the University of Cambridge and became the managing partner of the N M Rothschild & Sons banking house after the death of his father. De Rothschild inherited his father’s passion for collecting, starting to collect Chinese jade and works of art after a trip to China in 1911. Most of his objects were assembled during the 1920s and 1930s. The present lot belongs to a group of important jades which Rothschild gifted to his eldest daughter Renée Louise Robeson (1927-2015) before he eventually donated the family home to charity.
Condition : Good condition with expected old wear, the feet with a few small nicks, the stone with natural inclusions and fissures, some of which may have developed into hairline cracks. The wood stand with minor wear.
Weight: 428.0 g (excl. base), 464.4 g (incl. base)
Dimensions: Height 11.9 cm (excl. stand), 13.4 cm (incl. stand)
With a fitted, carved, and lacquered wood stand dating from the late Qing dynasty to the Republic period. (2)
This jade carving of monkeys exemplifies the masterful craftsmanship achieved in the jade ateliers during the 18th century. The craftsman would have assessed the unusual jade stone composed of the rare contrasting pale celadon and chestnut-brown tones, utilizing the fine natural material to create the exceptionally skillful carving.
Homophones for monkey , hou, include the Chinese words for 'nobleman', 'high official', and 'descendants'. The monkey therefore represents the wish for the success of one's descendants. The representation of monkey and peach also relates to the legendary figure of Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, who became notorious for stealing the peaches of immortality.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 7 April 2013, lot 3209
Price: HKD 475,000 or approx. EUR 72,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A pale celadon and brown jade 'monkey' group carving, Qing dynasty, 18th century
Expert remark: Compare the related motif, color of the jade, and fine carving.
