A CHINESE CLOISONNE MODEL OF AN ELEPHANT

LATE QING DYNASTY

The white elephant stands turning its head to sinister, its saddle blanket decorated with fruits and precious objects over crashing waves, with a vase decorated with antiques upon the animal's back, the ears removable, together with a wood stand, 35cm, 3.2kg. (4)

Provenance: formerly the collection of Mr le Marquis du Prat de Nantouillet, c.1900.

The image of an elephant carrying a vase represents the rebus taiping youxiang which carries the sentiment of wishing for peaceful times. An elephant with a vase is a visual embodiment of this expression, as the Chinese words for vase (ping) and elephant (xiang) are homophonous with two words in the saying.

Cf. Christie's South Kensington, 23rd January 2007, lot 231 for a similar cloisonné elephant.