The elephant, a symbol of the Universal Ruler, represents one of the auspicious symbols in Buddhism, as well as being one of the four creative forces symbolising power. Figures of elephants are therefore often seen as altar pieces and it is known that the King of Siam presented various elephants to the Kangxi Emperor. This figure would have had a vase on its back (ping), being a play on words on the word for peace (ping); hence the elephant is often seen as the bringer of peace

For similar examples in the Copeland Collection, see W. Sargent, op. cit., p.196, no.94; D. Howard and J. Ayers illustrate similar elephants and also missing their vases in op. cit., 1978, pp.610-611, no.638; for a close cloisonne enamel example in the National Palace Museum, Taibei, see Selection of Masterworks in the Collection of the National Palace Museum, p.68