the rectangular plaque carved on one side with a larger monkey sitting below a peach tree holding a ripe fruit in his hand just as a smaller monkey reaches for the peach, the reverse carved with a stream and small bridge below a cliff, inscribed on the cliff with a five-character excerpt from a Tang dynasty poem by Liu Yuxi, reading shanguo shu yuangong, the rich reddish-orange agate with fine layers of stratification visible on the sides

Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis, Minnesota, on loan, 1997-2008, no. L97.327.17.

In good overall condition with minute nibbling to the edges.
"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."

Agate ranks among the world's most striking semi-precious gems made up of a combination of micro-crystals formed in bands with other rocks. Collectors are drawn to the stone's infinite variety of colourations and banding, and red is considered the finest among them. The present plaque gives a lively depiction of mischievous monkeys stealing a peach of longevity from Xiwangmu (Queen Mother of the West), a well-known Chinese legend. Particular attention was given to the texture of the fur of the monkeys, showing the master skill in carving. It is believed that anyone who ate the fruit would become immortal.