Lot 111. A rare beige and russet jade 'elephant and boys' group, China, circa 17th century; Longueur: 12 cm. (4 ¾ in.). Estimate EUR 50,000 - EUR 70,000. Price realised EUR 87,500. © Christie's Image Ltd 2019

Il est représenté debout sur ses quatre pattes au-dessus des flots, la tête et la trompe tournées vers le côté. Les défenses, les yeux et les oreilles sont sculptés en léger relief. Son dos est surmonté de deux jeunes garçons rieurs qui nettoient l'animal, tenant chacun un balai et une brosse.

Note: This scene of washing the elephant is a popular one, and can be found as the subject of a jade group in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Jadeware (III), The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 1995, pl. 98; and depicted on a jade table screen, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 26 April 2004, lot 1225.

The elephant is an auspicious animal associated with Buddhism, and is used in numerous rebuses to convey peace, prosperity and good fortune. In the present example, the significance of the washing is translated into a wish for great happiness. The subject matter of this group is also a lively depiction of an every day scene, and is very much in keeping with the spirit of decoration found on porcelains of the same period.