THREE MINIATURE CLOISONNE ENAMEL ELEPHANTS
18TH-19TH CENTURY
The pair of white elephants cast standing foursquare with colourful saddlecloths decorated with clouds, mountains and waves, each supporting a vase on its back, the gilt-bronze and cloisonné enamel elephant similarly cast with colourful trappings
The white pair: 2 7/8 in (7.3 cm.) high
來源
H.R.H. The Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester (1900-1974).
The elephant is the embodiment of strength, wisdom and intelligence, and the vase represents eternal harmony. The auspicious combination of the two conveys the rebus taiping youxiang, meaning 'peaceful times'.