λ A CHINESE LACQUERED-HONGMU 'ELEPHANT' FAN STAND

λ A CHINESE LACQUERED-HONGMU 'ELEPHANT' FAN STAND
18TH CENTURY

The recumbent caparisoned animal with its head turned back over its right shoulder with its trunk resting on its front leg and its tail curled over its right haunch, approximately 8kg, 40cm.

Provenance: from the collection of Dr John William Hawksley Grice OBE (1891–1976) and thence by descent.

For a related example, see the fan stand sold in these rooms, 18th May 2011, lot 449. See also L Yang and E Capon, Translucent World, Chinese Jade from the Forbidden City, no.106 for a pair of red lacquer examples with decorative fans flanking an imperial throne. During the Qing dynasty elephants carrying vases on their backs appeared in processions to celebrate the emperor Qianlong's birthday. Throne room sets usually consist of a throne in the centre, a screen at the back; and on either side of the throne, an elephant statue with a vase on its back (symbolising universal peace), a standing fan, a luduan unicorn statue, and a censer. This assemblage is commonly referred to as the 'throne-room group'. See also: China, The Three Emperors 1662-1795, p.391, where throne furniture and settings are discussed in more detail.

十八世紀 紅木雕太平有象底座
來源：John William Hawksley Grice 醫生(1891–1976)收藏，之後由家人繼承。