a large bamboo 'peaches and monkeys' group Qing dynasty, 19th century

boldly carved in the round with a thick branch rising upward from a bed of craggy rocks, two large peaches and accompanying leaves borne from the branch, with four playful monkeys among the peaches and rocks, one attemping to poke a wasp's nest with a stick, the wood of a light brown color, wood stand, Japanese wood box (3)

Selections from the Lutz Bamboo Collection, Denver Art Museum, Denver, 1979, cat.no. 29, p. 28.

Walter E. Lutz, 'Chinese Bamboo Carving', Arts of Asia, January-February 1978, p. 53.
Ip Yee and Laurance C.S. Tam, Chinese Bamboo Carving, Hong Kong, 1978, Part 1, pl. 178.
Tim Luard, 'Chinese Bamboo Carving: A Hong Kong Exhibition', Arts of Asia, January-February 1979, p. 53.

There are age cracks, particularly to the rocks and the leaves. The stick held by the monkey may not be original and has been reglued. The monkey's left hind leg has been reglued. A 2 inch long reglued break to one of the upper horizontal branches on which a monkey is perched.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The monkey poking a wasp's nest illustrates the rebus fenghou ('may a high rank be conferred upon you'). The motif of monkeys with peaches is a symbol of longevity, recalling the story of the king of the monkeys stealing the peaches of immortality from Xi Wangmu.