Lot 098 A FINE PAIR OF POLYCHROME-EMBELLISHED ‘CAPARISONED ELEPHANT’ FIGURES QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

Description

A FINE PAIR OF POLYCHROME-EMBELLISHED ‘CAPARISONED ELEPHANT’ FIGURES
QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY
清十九世纪 牙雕加彩嵌宝石“太平有象”对像
MEASUREMENTS
1. L. 11.5 cm, 4.5 in.
2. L. 11.7 cm, 4.6 in.
ESTIMATE
USD 2.000— 3.000
The pair of elephants is meticulously carved from high-quality ivory, each depicted standing with a gentle, dignified expression, its trunk gracefully curled inward. The figures are richly adorned as ceremonial “caparisoned elephants,” featuring elaborate harnesses and saddlecloths carved in low relief. These trappings are embellished with a vibrant array of inlaid cabochon stones, including turquoise and coral-colored beads, set into intricate beaded borders and floral motifs. The saddlecloths are further decorated with traditional ruyi-head patterns and auspicious symbols. The ivory has developed a deep, honey-colored patina over time, with intentional dark staining used to highlight the wrinkled texture of the elephant’s skin and the fine details of the ornamental trappings. Each elephant is sturdy in form, reflecting the robust and peaceful nature of the animal, a classic subject in Chinese decorative arts.
此对大象以精选牙料雕就，造型生动，神态从容，长鼻自然向内卷曲。两象通体饰以华丽的背负式装束，即“驮宝大象”形制。其背部的披风及周身的勒带均采用浅浮雕技法刻画，其间精巧地镶嵌有松石及珊瑚色彩宝，排列成规整的珠串与花卉纹样，玲珑剔透。披风中心刻有如意纹等吉祥图案，装饰极为考究。牙质因岁月沉淀呈现深沉的琥珀色泽，局部经人工加色，细腻地表现出大象皮肤的褶皱感以及饰物的立体纹理。整对作品体量匀称，工艺繁缛而不失庄重，完美体现了中国传统工艺对“祥瑞”题材的极致追求。
The elephant is a powerful symbol in Chinese culture, representing “peace and prosperity” (taiping youxiang). During the Qing Dynasty, elephants were often depicted carrying vases or treasures, serving as metaphors for a harmonious and stable reign. This pair, with their rich embellishments and deep patina, likely graced the altar or scholarly studio of a wealthy household. The use of mixed-media inlay—combining precious ivory with colorful semi-precious stones—was a hallmark of the extravagant aesthetic preferred during the mid-to-late Qing period. The technical skill required to carve the intricate textile-like folds of the caparison and the delicate setting of the stones speaks to the high level of craftsmanship centered in Beijing’s imperial workshops. Such figures were not only decorative but were considered essential talismans for ensuring good fortune and stability within the home.
在大众文化中，大象寓意“太平有象”，象征天下太平、五谷丰登。清代宫廷与民间均极为推崇此题材，常将其陈设于案头或佛龛，以祈求家国稳固。此对大象装饰华美，牙雕与宝石镶嵌工艺的结合，反映了清代中晚期追求富丽堂皇的审美趋势。工匠对披风褶皱的拟真处理以及对宝石微小孔位的精准掌控，均显示了当时造办处或高端作坊的卓越功力。这对作品不仅具有极高的艺术价值，更因其承载的深厚文化内涵，成为文房清供中不可多得的雅玩珍品。
CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: Both figures are in excellent overall condition. The ivory carving remains crisp, and the majority of the inlaid stones are intact and original to the pieces.
• The dark-stained patina is well-preserved, lending a dignified antique appearance to the pair.
• There are very minor, age-appropriate shrinkage cracks visible on the tops of the heads and along the flanks, which are characteristic of natural ivory and do not compromise the structural integrity.
• 状况: 两件雕像整体品相极佳。牙雕线条清晰锐利，绝大部分镶嵌宝石均保存完好且为原装。
• 表面深色包浆保存自然，为这对作品增添了古朴端庄的韵味。
• 头顶及侧身见极细微的自然缩纹（笑纹），属天然牙料随年功产生的正常物理特征，不影响结构稳固及美观。