A WHITE JADE CARVING OF A LADY AND MONKEY QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

finely carved in the form of a lady captured in motion with her right leg lifted gracefully and carrying a monkey on her back, the monkey playfully nuzzling her hair while grasping her right hand, her slender figure dressed in long flowing robes, the facial features well defined and her hair tied up in a head-scarf, the pure white stone with small areas of russet veining 

There is a minor 2mm chip to the hair and another 2mm chip to the sleeve cuff. The tip of the lady's shoe has minute wear. But the overall condition is quite good.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A symbol of longevity, the monkey (hou) is a pun for a high-ranking noble equivalent to a marquis and became a prominent motif in literature and art in about the thirteenth century. The motif of a monkey carrying a younger monkey conveys the wish for descendants to be given the title of marquis, which this carving may also symbolise. Compare a carving of a figure with a monkey offered in these rooms, 4^th May 1995, lot 490.