A fine Chinese celadon jade carving of an elephant Qianlong 1736-95, standing four-square, its head turned to the left, wearing a saddle carpet decorated with vases of lotus and a yin-yang symbol within key fret, a paper label for Bluett London, 12cm.

Provenance: an English private collection. Purchased from Bluett & Son.

In China, the elephant is a symbol of strength, astuteness and happiness. They existed in China during the Bronze Age, but like the rhinoceros, were soon hunted to extinction. In the Ming dynasty, there were stables in the Forbidden City for the elephants which were given as gifts to the Ming Emperors from the rulers of Burma. During the Qing Dynasty, elephants carrying vases on their backs appeared in processions to celebrate the Emperor Qianlong's birthday, and so they continued to be a popular subject for portrayal in the decorative arts.