A PALE CELADON JADE 'ELEPHANT' VESSEL AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

well carved and standing foursquare, with furled ears, small eyes and a finely incised tail, its trunk curled to one side with nostrils flaring forming a ruyi shape, caparisoned with a long tasselled saddle rug woven on each side with a bat hovering above steep rocks and a tempestuous sea, with a small boy attending at the rear holding a swaying banner, the separate cover detailed with a seated tiger, a phoenix, a qilin and a dragon, and fitted tightly inside the hollow body, the pale celadon stone with a few milky inclusions and a smooth polish

Sotheby's London, 6th December 1994, lot 96.

There is a chip and some nicks to the base of the cover, and minor nicks to the edge of the boy's trousers, but overall the vessel is in good condition. The cover could possibly be a replacement but is of the period., and was made with a separate section for the base. There is a natural vein running on the underside of the elephant.
"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."