Paire de grands éléphants en cuivre et émaux cloisonnés Chine, Dynastie Qing, fin XVIIIE - début XIXE siècle

postés debout sur leurs quatre pattes, caparaçonnés d'un tapis de selle à décor de motifs auspicieux et portant un vase archaïsant sur le dos, le corps finement cloisonné en email bleu ciel, l'extrémité des pattes, le contour du harnachement, la défense et les yeux expressifs rehaussés d'or

some wear and expected losses to the enamels, one elephant with a chip to the enamels of approx 2,2 x 0,5mm by the border of its saddle's carpet, but overall the pair is in an excellent presentation state.
"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."

a related pair in the collection of the Rietberg Museum is illustrated in Helmut Brinker and Albert Lutz, Chinese Cloisonné: The ¨Pierre Uldry Collection, The Asia Society Galleries, New York, 1989, no.332. Another pair of la arger size sold in our rooms 12th June 2008, lot 375.