A RARE PAIR OF CLOISONNE ENAMEL ‘ELEPHANT AND VASE’ GROUPS QING DYNASTY, EARLY 18TH CENTURY |

each superbly cast in the form of a caparisoned elephant standing sturdily foursquare with its head turned to one side, supporting on its back a cloisonné enamel saddle beneath a vase of meiping form, the exterior of the hollow turquoise-ground vessel decorated with large lotus blooms below a floral frieze encircling the waisted neck, the gilt animal portrayed with a pair of crescent eyes flanked by large ears with thin veins running through, above a long curling trunk between a pair of long tapering tusks, its corpulent body detailed with characteristic wrinkles and adorned with ornamental trappings set with semi-precious stones, further depicted draped with a cloisonné enamel tasselled caparison vibrantly decorated with bats flying amidst swirling clouds and above rocks and crashing waves

Collection of Walter and Lucie Rosen, purchased in the 1920s-1940s.
Collection of Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts.

Good overall condition, with just minor dents and bruises, especially the underside of the feet. Minor rubbing to gilding and enamels. Several of the hardstone inlays have been replaced.
"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."

Ceramic models of elephants carrying receptacles on their back were already made in China prior to the Tang dynasty and were used as tomb figures to enhance the quality of after-life of their owner. Porcelain figures of elephants with vases on their backs and made for more decorative purposes first appeared in yingqing ware during the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368), such as the one sold in our New York rooms, 4th December 1984, lot 265. Those attributed to the Kangxi period (1662-1722) are the first ones specially made for export to Europe, such as the model included in the exhibition Ausstellung Chinesischer Kunst, Berlin, 1929, cat.no. 947 and sold in our London rooms, 25th March 1974, lot 12. Luxurious cloisonne enamel models of elephants emerged in the early Qing dynasty. A pair of identical cloisonne enamel and gilt-bronze elephants with Qianlong reign marks was sold in our London rooms, 1st July 1969, lot 31. Compare also another pair of unmarked elephants sold in these rooms, 8th October 2010, lot 2618.