A RARE IMPERIAL MINIATURE IVORY 'PEACH AND MONKEYS' CARVING BY DU SHIYUAN QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

deftly and naturalistically carved in openwork in the form of two peaches stacked one on top of the other with a monkey clambering on the side, another standing on the gnarled stem helping a youngster climb, a fourth seated near the leaves biting on a smaller fruit, the stalk of the peach set on top loosely entwined to the main branch forming a removable cover, opening to reveal a clustered bell with a chilong handle suspended to a delicate chain attached to a fifth monkey grasping a basket of peaches, another miniature chain issuing from the main fruit, suspending further treasures including a sixth monkey holding a basket of peaches, and a split pod enclosing three other monkeys, bringing the total of monkeys to eight, discretely signed Xian Zhuan inside the nutshell, the cream-coloured surface slightly yellowed with an attractive patina

The overall condition is good with the exception of a few typical age cracks including a small crack to the joint of the cover that has been stabilised with a clear resin. The surface has a golden brown patina. The chain inside is unbroken and has a small red silk string at its extremity, either to handle it, or to replace a miniature attribute that would possibly be missing (visible in the illustration in the catalogue).
"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."

The signature Xian Zhuan is the artist name of the famous early Qing period carver, Du Shiyuan, who was active between 1750-1795, during the reign of the Qianlong emperor. Du was a native of Wu county (present day Suzhou), where the nation's most talented artisans and carvers could be found. He especially excelled in carving walnut shell, olive stone and ivory. According to the Luyuan conghua (Collected Tales of Luyuan) - a compilation of notes from as early as the Six Dynasties to the Qing period covering a wide range of topics such as politics, economics, agriculture, culture and society and published in 1839 - Du was summoned by Imperial decree to serve at the Qing court. At the palace, he was based at the Qixiang gong (Palace of Auspicious Sign) until he was allowed to return to his hometown when he became depressed and fained insanity.  The Luyuan conghua also mentions that one of  Du's walnut shell raft carvings would cost fifty taels of silver.  

See three finely carved small ivory perfumiers illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, vol. 44, Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, Hong Kong, 2002, pl. 174, 175 and 177. 

Monkey (hou) in China symbolizes the high-ranking nobility. Depicted with a peach it represents the auspicious wish for longevity, good health and fortune.