CHINE, XXÈME SIÈCLE

Large cloisonné enamel elephants of this scale are rare. Elephant figures in various media were commonly placed in the halls and throne rooms of the Imperial palaces, symbolizing strength, wisdom, and longevity. In the Buddhist tradition, the elephant holds additional significance, often appearing as a mount for the bodhisattva Samantabhadra (Puxian), a prominent figure in the Buddhist pantheon. Regarded as guardians of honor, elephants also embodied peace and abundant harvests. When depicted carrying a vase on their back, they form the auspicious rebus taiping youxian, conveying wishes for peace and harmony.
A pair of monumental cloisonné enamel elephants, each standing on a pedestal and dating to the Qianlong period (total height 170 cm), is preserved in the collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing (Gu00201339–Gu00201340).
Compare also a pair of massive 20th-century cloisonné enamel elephants (each 133 cm high) from the collection of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, sold at Christie’s London, 13 June 2018, lot 69.