Description
A large and rare Chinese cloisonné model of a caparisoned elephant Jiaqing or earlier, standing four square, the saddle surmounted by a tall covered vase decorated with flower scrolls and with mask head ring handles, the gilt bronze saddle with panels of scaly dragons contesting flaming pearls, the hanging cloth with a pattern of pink flowerheads, 37cm high. (2)
Cf. Christie's, New York, 24th March 2011, lot 1614 for a related pair.
During the Qing dynasty, elephants carrying vases on their backs appeared in procession to celebrate the emperor Qianlong's birthday; and thus they continued to be a popular subject for portrayal in the decorative arts. The Qing rulers commissioned elephants to be made in jade and cloisonné in formal standing poses, which were paired and placed to flank the imperial thrones.
