Elephant; China. 20th century

Elephant; China. 20th century
Soapstone
Measurements: 54 x 32 x 13 cm.

Elephant sculpture embellished with small cabochon-cut reddish stone inlays. The piece is structured in two levels: at the base, a full-body carved ceremonial elephant, on whose back rests a saddlecloth with fringes and floral motifs. Rising from the elephant’s back is a multi-tiered pagoda-shaped structure, set upon a platform with a balustrade. The central body of the lantern features openwork walls, one of which is decorated with the calligraphic character for longevity (Shou) and another with a stylized little dragon, topped by a roof with curved eaves.

This decorative motif, known in Chinese tradition as the “elephant bearing the vase of peace” or lantern (Taiping Youxiang), is a fundamental allegory of universal peace and good fortune. The figure of the elephant (Xiang) serves as a homophonic pun on the word “omen” or “sign,” while the openwork tower allows incense smoke to diffuse during worship or the purification of the space.