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A CLOISONNE-ENAMELED FIGURE OF AN ELEPHANT QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG / JIAQING PERIOD
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- cloisonne enamel
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 saddle cloth brightly enameled with a bat suspending a chime above crashing waves all on a turquoise ground, the trappings and harness decorated with red, blue and turquoise chevrons, the howdah supporting a baluster-form vase with elephant-head handles
Catalogue Note
The motif of an elephant supporting a vase on its back forms the rebus taiping jingxiang, portents of a new age.
A pair of figures nearly identical to the present sold in these rooms 12th May 1961, lot 159 and another of the same type, lacking the elephant-head handles on the vase, sold Bonham's, London, 11th June 2003, lot 105.
A pair of figures nearly identical to the present sold in these rooms 12th May 1961, lot 159 and another of the same type, lacking the elephant-head handles on the vase, sold Bonham's, London, 11th June 2003, lot 105.