+ BOY IN ELEPHANT, China, Qing Dynasty, 18th century

The sculpture is made of polychrome wood. The artist sculpted the group in an intricate and decorative way, applying layered polychrome on the wood. It shows a Chinese boy on an elephant, holding a wicker basket in one hand and a bat in the other, which is a symbol of happiness in China, and very often his images appeared on Chinese pottery and other works of art. The image of the elephant came to China with the spread of Buddhism, and was eagerly featured in the visual arts. A boy riding an elephant in China symbolizes the wish for a peaceful and prosperous life.

Information:

https://lizzadromuseum.org/boy-holding-a-vase-riding-an-elephant/

https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6189259https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-a-small-lacquered-wood-figure-of-a-6134992/?from=salesummery&intobjectid = 6134992 & sid = 8af43640-c767-4070-b316-9c064d3620e4

https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/important-chinese-art-2/a-pale-green-and-russet-jade-elephant-and-boy

https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6189301

/ Boy and elephant group, wood with polychromy, Qing dynasty, 18th century, Kangxi / Yongzheng / Qianlong./