A Rare 'Cizhou' Elephant

naturalistically modelled standing four square with head looking straight forward, wearing a keyfret edged saddle cloth with moulded Indian lotus design and covered overall in a creamy-white glaze. 28cm. 11in.

PROVENANCE: C.T. Loo & Co., Paris (according to label).

LITERATURE AND REFERENCES: Bo Gyllensvard, Chinese Ceramics in the Carl Kempe Collection, Stockholm, 1964, pl. 478.

Chinese Ceramic Treasures. A Selection from the Ulricehamn East Asian Museum, Including the Carl Kempe Collection, Ulricehamn, 2002, pl. 680.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. 05 Nov 08. London.  Photo courtesy Sotheby's. www.sothebys.com