This anthropomorphic jade artifact, most likely from the pre-dynastic Hongshan culture (4700 to 2900 bce) in northeastern China, features a standing monkey. Hongshan sites have been found in an area stretching from Inner Mongolia to Liaoning. Jade was used as early as the fifth millennium BCE for making personal ornaments and small animal sculptures. In early Chinese art, animal motifs are generally either naturalistic or highly stylized – but in both cases, the artist always appears to have developed a close intimacy with the animals. Although we do not know the exact meaning of animal motifs, the context of similar finds suggests that these creatures were part of the religious or shamanic system. This sculpture is 4-7/8 inches tall, 2-1/2 inches wide, and 1-5/8 inches deep.

The nephrite exhibits surface alteration and waxy luster from professional restoration . From a private collection, this artifact is clean, however will be sold without further restoration (as is).