Elephant With Incense Burner
Animal Figure with attachments
Ceramic elephant as a carrier figure. Completely in turquoise with beige unglazed paws. The burner is constructed together with an elephant-figure. More-roller-shaped cylindrical body with straight shaped feet, head with eyes, round ears, trunk and an forehead attachment. Nubs on the front and back of the body and on the forehead. Short tail. The round carrier plate on the back is perforated and wears an additional incense burner.
Object ID
Persia_019
Age
?
Material
Ceramics
Color
turquoise
Length
25 cm
Width
10 cm
Shoulder diameter (attachment)
11.5 cm
Height
30.5 cm
Condition
good
Price
on request
Description
There are a lot of legends about the elephant since the third century BC. Also this ceramic elephant is considered as a mount that carries a valuable: probably an incense burner. The elephant is formed as carrier figure: a more-roller-shaped cylindrical body with straight shaped feet, a downwards tilted head with eyes, round ears, trunk and a forehead attachment. Nubs are on the front and back of the body and on the forehead. [1]
The tail is short. The round carrier plate set up to the back is perforated and wears an additional bulbous incense burner. The incense can be placed inside. The opening and the piercings of the round carrier allow the aroma to escape.
Its color is completely turquoise except the beige unglazed paws. This color means harmony by the compensation between body and soul. In the Chinese tradition the elephant is a symbol for wisdom, strength and gratitude. Riding an elephant means happiness. [2] (HV)
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