A rare Chinese hardwood fan stand

A rare Chinese hardwood fan stand, from a throne room set 18th century, in zitan and other hard woods, well carved as a recumbent caparisoned elephant, with his head turned to dexter and with a small vase upon his back, the base carved in relief with stylized mythical beasts and bands of ruyi heads, damage to the vase, 57cm. (2) Provenance: a private German collection. Cf. L Yang and E Capon, Translucent World, Chinese Jade from the Forbidden City, no.106 for a pair of red lacquer examples with decorative fans flanking an imperial throne. During the Qing dynasty elephants carrying vases on their backs appeared in processions to celebrate the emperor Qianlong's birthday. Throne room sets usually consist of a throne in the centre, a screen at the back; and on either side of the throne, an elephant statue with a vase on its back (symbolizing universal peace), a standing fan, a luduan unicorn statue, and a censer. This assemblage is commonly referred to as the "throne-room group". See also: China, The Three Emperors 1662-1795, p.391, where throne furniture and settings are discussed in more detail.