Important centerpiece forming an elephant sculpted in translucent and engraved rock crystal, its trunk raised, its eyes encrusted with green stones. It is richly harnessed with a saddle, a carpet and caparisons in vermeil or gilded metal decorated with polychrome cloisonné enamels with floral, geometric decoration and foliage. He is mounted with a black patinated metal mahout seated on his neck, brandishing a goad, and carries on his back an important imperial canopy draped in ultramarine blue enamel enhanced with golden dotted lines and tassels. The whole rests on an octagonal lapis lazuli base surrounded by a gallery decorated with polychrome cloisonné enamels, supported by four leafy claw feet in gilded and enameled bronze.
Late 19th century period.
Height: 35 cm
Good general condition, tiny gaps or slight wear to the enamel and gilding.
Precious art objects combining sculpted rock crystal, hard stones and enameled precious metal settings enjoyed immense success at the end of the 19th century. This type of virtuoso creation is directly inspired by sumptuous cabinets of curiosities (the
Kunstkammern
) of the European Renaissance and tribute items from the Chinese imperial court of the Qing dynasty. The elephant, symbol of strength, wisdom and peace (particularly when it carries a vase or a sacred canopy, forming the traditional rebus
Taiping Jixiang
meaning “Peace and prosperity”), is here magnified by the purity of the rock crystal and the liveliness of the polychrome cloisonné enamels.
Our object is part of the tradition of large ceremonial and showcase pieces from the end of the 19th century, sought after for the rarity of its materials, the exceptional quality of the rock crystal sculpture and the richness of its enameled decoration.
Rock Crystal And Cloisonne Enamel Elephant Sculpture, large, perfect
45,000 €
Important centerpiece forming an elephant sculpted in translucent and engraved rock crystal, its trunk raised, its eyes encrusted with green stones. It is richly harnessed with a saddle, a carpet and caparisons in vermeil or gilded metal decorated with polychrome cloisonné enamels with floral, geometric decoration and foliage. He is mounted with a black patinated metal mahout seated on his neck, brandishing a goad, and carries on his back an important imperial canopy draped in ultramarine blue enamel enhanced with golden dotted lines and tassels. The whole rests on an octagonal lapis lazuli base surrounded by a gallery decorated with polychrome cloisonné enamels, supported by four leafy claw feet in gilded and enameled bronze. Late 19th century period.
We ship worldwide!
| Weight | 6 kg |
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