AN AGATE 'MONKEY' PLAQUE QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the rectangular plaque carved in high-relief on one side with a larger monkey sitting below a peach tree holding a ripe fruit in his hand just as a smaller monkey swoops-in to steal the peach, the reverse carved in low-relief with a stream and small bridge below a cliff, inscribed on the cliff with carved five-characters shan guo shu yuan gong taken from a Tang poem, the stone of brilliant amber orange tone with fine layers of stratification visible on the thick sides

The overall condition is quite good with a minor shallow chip around the pierced hole on the back side.
"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."

Agate ranks among the world's most striking semi-precious gems made up of a combination of micro-crystals formed in bands with other rocks. Collectors are drawn to the stone's infinite variety of colorations and banding, and red is considered the finest among them.

In Buddhism, agate is one of the Seven Treasures among gold, silver, lapis lazuli, crystal, red pearl and carnelian, symbolizing the power of mindfulness.  Because of the harmonizing qualities of agate, it is also believed to have the powers of balancing yin yang energy, and providing courage, protection, healing, and calming.  The plaque gives a lively depiction of mischievous monkeys stealing a peach of longevity from Xiwangmu, the Queen Mother of the Western Paradise, a well-known Chinese legend.  Particular attention was given to the texture of the fur of the monkeys, showing the master skill in carving.  It is believed that anyone who ate the fruit would become immortal.  In Buddhism, monkeys are regarded as symbols of the immortality of human spirits, together with the peach they represent prosperity, longevity and wealth.