Pair of imperial elephants. Beijing, China, 19th... Lot n° 124

Pair of imperial elephants. Beijing, China, 19th century. Ivory, ebony and semi-precious stones. Unique pieces. They were originally in an imperial palace. Imported by the current owner from Beijing during the 1980s. They were requisitioned by the Chinese government during the Cultural Revolution. They were rented during the 1990s to decorate the Hotel Juan Carlos I in Barcelona. Measurements: 260 x 215 cm. each, including pagoda. Pair of polychrome imperial elephants, carrying a pagoda on their backs. Both sculptures are entirely covered with polychrome ivory plaques, and with semiprecious stones decorating harnesses and trimmings. The pagodas on the elephants' backs, seated on lotus flowers, are made entirely of polychrome ivory and can be separated. Buddhas and sacred personages are represented on different levels of the pagodas, sheltered in niches. Elephants are considered in China as symbols of intelligence, power and peace. The trunk upward is considered a symbol of good fortune.