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Hôtel des Ventes de Clermont-Ferrand
26
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CHINA – 19th century A pair of grey porcelain elephants, the…
See original version (French)
26
-
CHINA – 19th century A pair of grey porcelain elephants, the…
See original version (French)
Estimate €12,000 - €15,000
Voluntary lot
Description
CHINA – 19th century
A pair of grey porcelain elephants, their heads turned backwards, harnessed and adorned with a canopy featuring a horse emerging from the waves against a yellow background, beneath chime stones and pearl netting.
(Missing parts, restoration, one tusk broken).
H. 23 cm.
Wooden plinths (broken).
The elephant is a symbol of strength, wisdom and stability.
Its name, xiang (?), is homophonous with the idea of a good omen (xiang ?). The vase, ping (?), in turn, refers to peace and harmony (ping ?). Together, the elephant carrying a vase expresses the wish for lasting peace and prosperous order.
This motif is often associated with the phrase taiping youxiang, ‘great peace prevails’. It thus embodies an ideal of balance, prosperity and benevolence for the world.
Expert: Portier consultancy
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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