Featured Chinese Carved Monkey on a Horse -

Another unusual find from this weekend's yardsailing. This is a carved stone figure of a horse with a monkey on his back. I read that it's a symbol of the desire to climb the ladder of success, usually within the military. I'm not sure what the stone is - most of the ones I've seen online are white jade. Both figures have fine etching with black ink. My question is: What are the carved button shapes on the back for? One is rectangular and the other is round. Was this some type of adornment that buttoned onto a jacket or belt? Any guess about age? It measures 3" long x 1.5" high.Any other thoughts appreciated.

 

It is a gorgeous antique belt buckle. One button goes on one end of the belt, the other hooks into the other end.
It looks like nephrite jade to me, possibly Hetian/Khotan jade.

 

Thank you, AJ! What an exciting find.

 

Absolutely, and I am excited for you.

 

There was another little carved piece - possibly a jade peach? that I found with it. It doesn't stand on its own, so there's a little wooden stand (unfortunately missing one leg) with some paste inside to hold it from tipping over. Do you think this is an old Chinese carved piece? Thanks!

 

Ooo what a beauty.

Yes I do, and again, nephrite jade, possibly Hetian.

 

Are you any good at kyratising?

 

I wish I was as talented, but no, I am not. My brother in law is a violin maker - he can carve wood, so maybe I'll ask him.

Thank you, AJ! You are the best!

 

Any time, NE.

It would be worth it, because the stand was made specifically for the peach.

 

Fixing that leg on the stand should be 'easy peasy' for your BiL!!!! Lucky You!!!!

 

Who has a BIL who makes violins?
You just got way more interesting !!

Nice finds....good eye for the jade !!!!

 

Ha Ha! Thanks! I am tickled pink to have found them.

 

Nice pieces!

 

Your horse/monkey piece is IMO quite valuable and most definitely jade.

 

Thank you, Blooey!

 

Contact Christie's or Sotheby's NY about it, I think they will be excited. Just make sure you speak to dept head not fresh-out-of-uni-with-arts-BA person!!