A PAIR OF CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL CAPARISONED ELEPHANTS

JIAQING PERIOD (1796-1820)

Details

A PAIR OF CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL CAPARISONED ELEPHANTS
JIAQING PERIOD (1796-1820)
Each elephant is modelled in mirror image standing four-square with their heads turned to the left and right. The bodies are executed in white enamel and decorated with colourful trappings. Each back is covered by a long saddlecloth decorated with a chime amongst clouds above crashing waves, supporting a small saddle and a beribonned double gourd vase.
12 in. (30.5 cm.) high, carved, stained elm stands

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Lot Essay

The combination of an elephant carrying a vase on its back represents the rebus taiping youxiang, which may be translated as 'When there is peace, there are signs'.
Compare the present lot to a pair of elephants carrying baluster vases rather than double gourds formerly in the collection of Esmond Harmsworth, 2nd Viscount Rothermere (1898-1978), Daylesford House, Gloucestershire, sold at Christie's London, 13 June 2018, lot 70.

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