This charming belt hook is carved from light green and brown jade. Its is decorated with two monkeys playing with peaches. The decoration is very symbolic. Peaches refer to the wish for a long life. Monkeys are said to drive away evil spirits. But the monkey with a bee on its back is really special. When a bee is pictured together with a monkey (hóu), the combination can be understood as 'fèng hóu' or 'gaining an official's office with a plentiful (fèng) good salary (féng)'. The stud is carved in the shape of a curved leaf. The hook dates from the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912) and was acquired in Hong Kong in 1991. Length 10.3 cm. Width 1.8 cm. Depth 2.1 cm. Weight 57.5 grams.