Qing Dynasty White Jade Elephant Washing Mountain Ornament

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Qing Dynasty White Jade Elephant Washing Mountain Ornament

The white jade is warm and moist, with natural suffusion, lustrous and smooth. The entire piece features a relief of boys washing an elephant. The vessel is grand in form, the elephant's body is round, its four legs are thick and strong, and its expression is docile. There are four boys depicted on it: one climbing onto the elephant's back, one scrubbing the elephant's body, and two others splashing water onto the elephant's body, creating a vivid and lifelike scene. Both the elephant and the boys symbolize auspiciousness.

Catalogue No.: 336

Height with base 23cm

Starting Bid: RMB 176,000

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The white jade is warm and moist, with natural penetration color, lustrous and smooth. The entire piece features a high-relief carving of children washing an elephant. The artifact is large, with the elephant's body being round, its four legs stout, and its expression gentle. On it are four children: one climbing onto the elephant's back, one scrubbing its body, and two others splashing water onto it, creating a vivid and lively scene. Both the elephant and the children symbolize good fortune. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was customary for the imperial palace to bathe the elephants kept there on the three dog days (Sanfu). At that time, officials would lead the elephants with drums and music to supervise the bathing, and often tens of thousands of spectators would gather on both sides of the river. Such scenes were frequently depicted in poetry. Because elephants have been regarded as auspicious creatures since ancient times, this kind of scene was often used as a theme in various artistic creations. This jade mountain is based on this theme, expressing the meaning of peace under heaven, auspiciousness, and harmony.

Keywords:

荣艺庭芳中国近现代艺术品专场

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