Lot 244: A CHINESE PALE CELADON JADE HORSE AND MONKEY BELT HOOK, QING DYNASTY (1644-1911)

A Chinese pale celadon jade belt hook, daigou, dating to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The piece is carved from a single stone of nephrite jade with a waxy luster. The hook terminates in a horse head featuring a carved mane and facial features. A monkey is carved in high relief on the curved shaft, depicted clambering toward the horse head. The reverse side is fitted with a circular boss for fastening. The imagery forms the rebus ma shang feng hou, which translates to may you be immediately promoted to the rank of marquis. The stone is of an even pale celadon color with natural white cloudy inclusions.

L: 9cm