Carved from pale yellowish celadon nephrite with stained highlights, the elephant standing with its head turned inward, a young boy standing on the side and holding a branch of peonies, the pachyderme wearing celebration armour with a large carpet on its back decorated on the front with two bats hovering over a peachtree and on the back with a similiar scene but with peonies instead of peaches, a young boy is standing atop the elephant back and grabbing a berry from a large sacred lily growing from a large vase.

This carving is rich in symbols: a boy riding an elephant is a representation of good fortune, while an elephant carrying a large vase is a sign a peace. The elephant carrying a vase with sacred lilies (Rhodea japonica) is a popular New Year symbol. The bats and peaches are sinonymous with blessings and longevity.

Provenance:
A Texas Collection
Manheim Galleries, New Orleans, (purchased prior to 1964)

Ref. 1014140