A large jade elephant, celadon with russet areas and beautifully worked in the round. Conveying a great sense of movement, the head of the elephant is turned slightly to the right. The long trunk curves backwards onto the front, right leg and the tail also curves forward onto the back right hindquarters. The facial features are worked in very detailed relief.
This glorious, heavy, tactile piece has been carved from a large jade boulder and the russet skin of the stone is used to superb effect on the back and forehead.
The elephant was a very popular artistic form in the Ming and Qing dynasties. This example is larger than most figures and would have been placed on a scholar's desk to study and contemplate.

Ming/Qing Dynasty (1369-1911).

4..75" in length, weighing 675g, with a custom made silk-lined box.

Provenance: ex-The White Collection, Hong Kong