Fine Chinese Paintings & Works of Art - 7th December 2020
Lot 19
A CHINESE CLOISONNE MODEL OF AN ELEPHANT
Estimate £8,000 - £12,000
+ Buyers Premium
Description
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.