Elephants are associated with strength, wisdom and longevity, and are significant animals within the Buddhist religion. They are considered guardians of honor and were symbols of peace and a good harvest. The imagery of an elephant supporting a vase on its back forms the auspicious rebus, Taiping Jingxian or Taiping Youxian, conveying the message of peace and harmony.
The current figure belongs to a small, high-quality group of gilt-bronze and cloisonne and champleve enamel figures, and includes one sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 30 November 2011, lot 3174, one sold at Sotheby’s London, 6 November 2019, lot 117, and one with an ivory-inlaid Guanyin and Skanda emblem emerging from the vase on the elephant’s back, sold at Bonhams Hong Kong, 1 December 2020, lot 141.
