18th century, Qing dynasty AD1701-1800

Carved bamboo root carving of a well-wishing horse and monkey

This round carving of a bamboo root depicts a semi-reclining horse in regardant position, upon whose back sits a small monkey holding a peach. This imagery symbolizes "immediate conferral of a high-ranking position." This curio was originally secured in a treasure box, and despite the small size of the work, much care has been taken over the postures and expressions of the animals, as well as the presentation of the original bamboo texture.