A MAGNIFICENT PAIR OF CLOISONNE AND CHAMPLEVE ENAMEL 'ELEPHANT AND VASE' GROUPS

CHINA, QING DYNASTY, FIRST HALF 18TH CENTURY

Details

A MAGNIFICENT PAIR OF CLOISONNE AND CHAMPLEVE ENAMEL 'ELEPHANT AND VASE' GROUPS
CHINA, QING DYNASTY, FIRST HALF 18TH CENTURY
Each finely cast in mirror image, head turned to one side, the cloisonné enamel tasselled saddle cloths decorated with bats, clouds and waves, beneath a saddle supporting a turquoise-ground meiping vase with scrolling lotus blooms, the gilt animal's powerfully rendered facial features with crescent-form eyes, large veined ears, and a long pendulous trunk, the wrinkled skin naturalistically detailed in thick folds, the elaborate harness highlighted in champleve enamel and embellished with semi-precious stones
10 5/8 in. (27 cm.) high

Provenance

Collection of Walter and Lucie Rosen, purchased from the 1920s to 1940s.
Collection of Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts.

Lot Essay

Figures of elephants made from various media were found in halls and throne rooms throughout China's Imperial palaces. They are associated with strength, wisdom and long-life and are also significant animals within the Buddhist religion. A prominent member of the Buddhist pantheon, Samantabhadra (Puxian), is frequently shown seated on an elephant. They are considered guardians of honour and were symbols of peace and good harvests. Ornately embellished the imagery of an elephant supporting a vase on its back forms the auspicious rebus, Taiping Youxian, conveying the message of peace and harmony.