The mirrored pair of caparisoned elephants cast with heads turned to one side showing ruyi-tipped trunks and heavy skin folds along each leg; each figure draped with cloisonne-decorated cloth and a copper saddle upon which rest archaistic vases on double lotus stands; each beast affixed to an octagonal waisted stand of stylized lotus form surmounted by an openwork copper fence.
Height 9 1/2 inches
Imperial Chinese gilt copper alloy elephants of this size and form were made to hold round plaques bearing auspicious or sacred emblems. A pair of similar imperial elephants with said emblems sold at a Canadian regional auction house -Lunds Auctioneers and Appraisers, LTD.- April 6, 2022. Individual examples sans emblems have sold at Bonhams Hong Kong -Lot 80, 27 May 2021; Sotheby's London -Lot 117, 6 November 2019; and Christie's Hong Kong -Lot 3174, 30 November 2011.
The mirrored pair of caparisoned elephants cast with heads turned to one side showing ruyi-tipped trunks and heavy skin folds along each leg; each figure draped with cloisonne-decorated cloth and a copper saddle upon which rest archaistic vases on double lotus stands; each beast affixed to an octagonal waisted stand of stylized lotus form surmounted by an openwork copper fence.
Height 9 1/2 inches
Notes:Imperial Chinese gilt copper alloy elephants of this size and form were made to hold round plaques bearing auspicious or sacred emblems. A pair of similar imperial elephants with said emblems sold at a Canadian regional auction house -Lunds Auctioneers and Appraisers, LTD.- April 6, 2022. Individual examples sans emblems have sold at Bonhams Hong Kong -Lot 80, 27 May 2021; Sotheby's London -Lot 117, 6 November 2019; and Christie's Hong Kong -Lot 3174, 30 November 2011.
Components securely, but somewhat loosely, attached; base screws seemingly replaced; there is a fair amounts of soiling / age-appropriate wear throughout (see photos); some cloisonne elements of differing style / quality.
Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact and our Organization shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. Please contact the specialist department to request further information or additional images that may be available.
Auction: Asian Works of Art, Sep 20, 2023
NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle held an auction of Asian Works of Art on September 20, 2023. This highly-anticipated auction presented the arts of China, Japan and throughout Asia spanning the Neolithic Period through the 20th century. Showcased were exceptional porcelains, bronzes, jades, snuff bottles, pottery, scholar’s objects, furniture and paintings from prominent collections and estates.
Doyle's September signature Asian Art auction was an exciting two-day sale preceded by a fun-filled exhibition in which familiar faces and new clients alike mingled in the gallery and explored the wide variety of art and artifacts on display. The sale days brought heated bidding and many strong prices across every category. Property from the Collection of Mary McFadden, Chinese porcelain and jade, Himalayan statuary and an iconic Japanese woodblock triptych were among the highlights.
Doyle is proud to be an Auction House Partner of Asia Week New York. For information on Asia Week New York, visit AsiaWeekNY.com
Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for a complimentary auction evaluation. Our Specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.
Please call Richard Cervantes at 215-539-3109 or email Asian@Doyle.com