Eléphant en bronze doré, émaux cloisonnés et champlevés, Chine, Dynastie Qing, Epoque Qianlong (1736-1795)

debout sur ses quatre pattes, sur une double base en émaux champlevés turquoise, la trompe levée, carapaçonné d'une selle portant un vase à anses de forme archaïque, le tapis finement décoré d'un motif de rosaces

Excellent condition overall. Some wear to the gilding around the neck of the champlevé vase. One of the small pins is missing on the base to the the right of the mammal (showing on the illustration in the catalogue). Two thin cracks approx. 2 cm and 1 cm to the edge of the base underneath. Otherwise alltogether a fine object. Weight: 1 kg 213 Please feel free to use the zoom feature on our internet site www.sothebys.com to see better details of the item than on the catalogue photographs.
"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."

The elephant in China is a symbol of peace, and the combination of an elephant (xiang) and a vase (ping), which can be usually found on the elephants back, is a reference to 'peaceful times (taiping youxiang)'. According to Teresa Tse Bartholomew in Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art, San Francisco, 2006, p. 238, the elephant and vase motif is based on the saying, 'When there is peace, there are signs (xiang)' as a pun for peace (taiping). She further notes ibid., p. 237, that 'during the Qing dynasty, real elephants carrying vases on their backs appeared in processions celebrating the emperor's birthday. In New Year prints, an elephant and a pot of evergreen represent spring and a time of renewal'. The elephant is also one of the auspicious symbols of Buddhism - an attribute to royalty, associated with Puxian, the Bodhisattva of Universal Benevolence, the personification of Perfect Activity and Happiness, who is often shown seated on a white elephant.

A related cloisonné enamel and gilt-bronze figure of an elephant with a vase on its back was sold in our Monte Carlo rooms, 13^th February 1983, lot 377; and another, but without the stand, from the collection of the late Roy Gamble, was sold in our New York rooms, 25^th January 1978, lot 370. See also an impressive large gilt-copper and cloisonné caparisoned elephant and stand sold in our London rooms, 16^th May 2007, lot 107; and a pair of elephants with vases but lacking their stand, sold in our London rooms, 1^st July 1969, lot 31.