Fangcheng Stone Monkeys

Fangcheng Stone Monkeys

　　Every year on the third day of the third lunar month, a temple fair is held at Mount Xiaoding in Fangcheng County, Nanyang City. At the fair, a type of stone-carved “small stone monkey” is sold. Locally, it is commonly known as “hǎo shíhou” (a homophone meaning “good timing”), also referred to as “painted stone monkey.” People flock to the fair and eagerly buy these “hǎo shíhou” (where “shíhou” sounds like “stone monkey”), giving them to one another in the hope of bringing good fortune for themselves and their loved ones. The “single monkey” symbolizes “ancestral blessing and nobility,” while the “mother monkey carrying a baby monkey” represents “nobility for generations.” Thanks to its unique design and auspicious homophones, it has gained widespread fame across the Central Plains and remains popular through the ages. Locals often use it as a good-luck charm for children to wear during festivals and holidays. This has given rise to a unique “monkey culture” in Fangcheng County.

　　Features

　　　　These small stone monkeys feature distinctive designs and simple carving techniques, embodying strong local characteristics. They are about three to five centimeters tall and come in plain and colored versions, with the colored ones painted using pigments such as yellow, green, red, and black. The stone monkeys come in various forms, including single monkeys, mother-and-child monkeys, monkeys carrying monkeys, pigs carrying monkeys, and even Piggy (Zhu Bajie) carrying monkeys. Small yet exquisitely crafted, they carry a unique cultural charm.

　　Functions

　　　　Farmers in the Shangqiu and Zhoukou areas are particularly fond of these small stone monkeys because of their medicinal value. When working in the fields, farmers would carry a small stone monkey with them. In case of scrapes or cuts, they could scrape some powder off the monkey and apply it to stop the bleeding. It is also said that apart from its medicinal benefits, the stone monkey is cherished for its deep-rooted “monkey culture.” Since the word “monkey” (猴) sounds like “nobility” (侯), people associate it with gaining official rank and prosperity, thus endowing it with meanings of wealth and good fortune. “Giving someone a good stone monkey means giving them good timing.”

　　Stone Monkey Culture

　　　　The craft of carving small stone monkeys has been passed down through generations for who knows how many dynasties. Its artisans have never participated in any folk art competitions nor engaged in promotional activities, which is why Fangcheng stone monkeys have remained relatively unknown. However, thanks to promotion by some tourists, they have finally caught the attention of the art and collectibles communities. Nowadays, collectors from cities like Zhengzhou and Xi'an often visit Yan Shan Pu in Fangcheng to purchase “painted stone monkeys” in bulk.