Pair of chinese silver elephants, Qing dynasty

Figures of elephants, arranged in pairs, made of silver and gilded silver.

The elephants bend their trunks, ending in "ruyi", backwards and hold on their backs a "hu" vase on a lotus base. Between them they have an elaborate saddle with a lotus tapestry and clasped with pearl chains and rosettes. The details are made with embossing and carving. The vase depicts an antique bronze with engravings of "ruyi" and "taotie" and handles in the form of an animal with rings.

This depiction refers to the good rule of an emperor. Because the word 象 (xiang) means elephant and also wisdom. Also, the word 瓶 (ping) means vase and peace. 

Size: 22 x 15 x 8 cm; Weight: 1340 g

Provenance: 

Private collection of a German diplomat, later inherited by the family. He worked as a diplomat in China and lived in Beijing between 1890 and 1900. The attached photographs were taken during his stay. Currently in a European collection.