Nephrite Jade Sacred Elephant Libation Cup Antique Chinese Jadeite Stone Carving 奠瓚玉象

The elephant is a symbol of wisdom and strength, and considered the most sacred animal in Chinese Buddhism. For centuries, elephants have remained a favorite subject of painting and sculpture in Chinese art, and often portrayed as the mount for Lohans and Buddhas, and frequently represented with a stupa on its back. Whereas in this impressive nephrite jade elephant, with headstall inlaid with tiny agates, lapis lazuli, and malachites, seven large carnelians and amber stones repeated on the sides and back, above the jeweled saddle cloth carved with a pair of “good fortune” bats, the caparisoned elephant is majestically carrying an exquisite libation cup with loose jade rings. In spite of the stylized carving, the naturalistic flair is delicately represented through a slight turn of the elephant’s large placid head, in which the power of a bowing movement is subtly hinted into our perception as we adore its charms. The nephrite jade elephant has a tint of aged patina, with a few thin surface crack lines, no break or repair.