A WHITE JADE 'ELEPHANT AND BOYS' GROUP QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

finely carved standing foursquare with its furled ears and curved tusks naturalistically depicted, caparisoned with an elaborate long tasselled saddle rug woven with a shou character on each side, flanked by two playful small boys clambering on the elephant, the smoothly finished stone of an even white colour with russet inclusions

The edge of the saddle has been polished and there is some russet stained fissures in the stone, but otherwise the elephant carving is in overall good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Carved from a fine white stone of translucent and even tone, this piece is particularly attractive for the sense of movement and liveliness that is captured through the twisting turning poses of the figures and of the elephant. The craftsman has successfully captured various textures in a display of technical proficiency, such as the thick wrinkled skin of the elephant, the intricately embroidered cloth draped over its back and the smooth plump faces of the boys.

This carving is full of auspicious imagery, such as the motif of boys riding or climbing on an elephant representing the wish for good fortune, as the phrase 'ride an elephant' is close in pronunciation to 'good fortune' (jixiang). Additionally, the boy clutching a musical chime symbolises celebration. 

A closely related carving in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated in Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum, Jade, vol. 9, Qing Dynasty, Beijing, 2011, pl. 136; another from the De An Tang collection, was included in the exhibition A Romance with Jade, Palace Museum, Beijing, 2004, cat. no. 90; and a third of slightly larger size, was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 23rd March 1993, lot 962. See also a carving of this type but featuring only one boy, from the collection of Mr Dumas, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 8th October 2010, lot 2617.