Kushan period, 2nd-3rd century. The architectural element carved in the form of an elephant leaping forward, its head well detailed with large ears, almond-shaped eyes, short tusks, and a wide trunk raised to its forehead and grasping a five-petaled blossom.

Provenance: Jean Delacroix, Chatou, France, 1971. The private collection of Mr. and Mrs. X, Brussels, Belgium, acquired from the above and thence by descent. Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris, 6 March 2018, lot 53. A copy of a provenance statement, written and signed by Jean Delacroix, dated 10 May 1971, confirming the above, accompanies this lot. This statement mentions a sales price of 12,500 FFR, which is equivalent to c. 11,000 EUR today, after inflation and conversion.
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear, losses, encrustations, signs of weathering and erosion, minor nicks, all as expected.

Weight: 6,806 g
Dimensions: Length 30 cm

Literature comparison:
The use of similar pegs on stupas to hold up garlands is well attested on representations of stupas at Chatpat; for a further discussion and another example of an elephant peg, see C. Luczanits, The Buddhist Heritage of Pakistan: Art of Gandhara, 2011, p. 73.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Sotheby's New York, 11 September 2012, lot 104
Price: USD 10,000 or approx. EUR 12,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A Gandharan schist architectural element with an elephant, 2nd/3rd century
Expert remark: Compare the related subject and manner of carving.