A RARE PAIR OF YELLOW-CELADON JADE 'ELEPHANT' CANDLESTICKS QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

each formed of five sections, with a lobed base supporting a fitted stand for the caparisonned elephant, carrying an archaistic vase supporting a lobed dripping pan, the two elephants turning their head to the right, one of their large ears extending over the saddlecloth and their trunk curling below, the smoothly polished jade of a warm greenish-yellow colour with occasional russet streaks

There are some nicks along the edges or fritting, predominantly along the edges of one of the two platforms on which the elephant stand. But overall the two candlestick are in good condition. The five elements forming each candlestick are sectional and can be detached.
"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."

Jade candlesticks modelled in the form of elephants carrying a vase are rare although the motif is commonly found as sculptures in their own right; for example see an exquisitely carved version, from the De An Tang collection, included in the exhibition A Romance with Jade, Palace Museum, Beijing, 2004, pl. 83, and sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 29th May 2007, lot 1417. Candlesticks of related type were also made in cloisonné enamel, such as a pair, lacking the stand, sold as part of an altar set at Christie's London, 3rd March 1987, lot 99.

The elephant (xiang) in China is symbolic of peace and when depicted carrying a vase (ping) the motif creates the auspicious pun taiping youxiang (peaceful times). The elephant is also one of the auspicious symbols of Buddhism, an attribute of royalty associated with the bodhisattva of Universal Benevolence, Puxian, also known as Samatabhadra.