Qing Dynasty Qianlong Marble Monkey Sculpture with Jasper Eyes, China, Late 1800s

Details

Description

Item :
Marble sculpture entirely hand-carved and finely polished, depicting a macaque monkey on a branch with jasper eyes. The … Read more Item :
Marble sculpture entirely hand-carved and finely polished, depicting a macaque monkey on a branch with jasper eyes. The sculpture can be dated between the end of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th century, easily attributable to oriental Chinese artistic craftsmanship, considering the style and type of subject depicted, therefore belonging to the Qing dynasty, during the Qianlong empire. The superb patina that covers the object confirms this.

Final thoughts on the object:
Jasper, of which the eyes are made, is a mono-mineralogical sedimentary rock, i.e. made up of a single mineral, composed mainly of quartz and small residues of iron, which give the rock bright colours, making it sought after as a semi-precious stone. The marble with which the sculpture was made is also valuable, veined and smoothed by hand with rock cloth to make it shiny. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution See less