A PAIR OF CLOISONNE ENAMEL ELEPHANTS QING DYNASTY

each standing four square with head lowered and turned to the side, the trunk curled upwards between the tusks, the body in white with the gilt cloisons detailing the folds in the hide, the trappings and harness decorated with red, blue and turquoise chevrons, the howdah supporting a ribbon-tied double-gourd candle sconce, wood stands

One elephant has the top of one ear refilled (3 x 0.3cm). Other refilled enamel losses include the animal's forehead (1.5 x 1.5cm), half of the left eye, lower limb joints, the majority of the ribbon of the double gourd vase etc. The vase could be turned but is still firmly attached to the elephant. The other has both of its ears re-enamelled and other areas of enamel loss including the top of the head (2 x 1cm), its shoulder and neck (circa 3 x 2.5cm), the saddled cloth (4.5 x 2cm), the howdah and the base of the four feet etc., these have now been refilled. One side of the ribbon on the double gourd vase is detached. Other firing imperfectiosn include pinprick holes.
"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 present richly ornamented elephant figures are among the finest cloisonné enamel wares made during the Qing dynasty. They are modelled after Ming period gilt-bronze elephant figures; for example see a Yongle mark and period gilt-bronze caparisoned elephant supporting a beribboned vase on its back and laden with an elaborate saddle blanket, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 8^th October 2008, lot 1624; and another elephant, cast standing with its head raised facing forward, attributed to the 15^th century, sold at Christie's London, 16^th April 1980, lot 59.

A closely related pair of Qing cloisonné enamel elephants, each supporting a baluster vase on its back, was sold in these rooms, 13^th July 2005, lot 222; and a pair attributed to Jiaqing's reign was also sold in these rooms, 5^th June 1981, lot 148. Compare also a Qianlong period cast bronze elephant made in both cloisonné and champlevé enamel decoration illustrated in Chinese Cloisonné. The Clague Collection, Phoenix, 1980, pl. 49; another cloisonné enamel elephant on a stand with a vase on its back published in Masterpieces of Chinese Enamel Ware in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1971, pl. 29; and a third example, from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, included in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Metal-bodied Enamel Ware, Hong Kong, 2002, pl. 137.

Elephant figures of this type are abundant in Buddhist symbolism. The elephant represents physical and mental strength. The Shakyamuni Buddha was born as an elephant in one of his previous incarnations and in Buddhist iconography, the bodhisattva Samantabhadra rides on a white elephant. The flower vase represents an offering as well as being one of the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism. The ears of the elephant, with thin veins running through, resemble the leaves of the lotus flower. Lotus in Buddhism represents spiritual purity conveying the message that potentially all beings can attain buddhahood.