18TH CENTURY

A similar white cloisonné enamel elephant, also with similarly decorated blanket, saddle and tusks, was sold at Christie's New York, 18 September 2014 lot 635.

The elephant is the embodiment of strength, wisdom and intelligence, and the vase represents eternal harmony. The combination of the two conveys the rebus taiping youxiang, 'peaceful times' or 'when there is peace, there are signs'.