Description: 2 matching Chinese decorative vases, in blue and white porcelain, with an unusual depiction of elephants. These vases were purchased in Singapore in the 1970's, at a time when China was closed to outsiders. The only sources of traditional Chinese arts and crafts at that time were to be found in Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Singapore. The mainland Chinese were familiar with elephants only as exotic, overseas animals. As such, elephants were not an artistic motif in Chinese ceramics, except on occasion when the elephant trunk was used as a handle on vases and urns. The Chinese who settled in the Malay Peninsula, however, knew elephants as common, domesticated animals. Hence, Chinese craftsman who practiced traditional pottery techniques in Southeast Asia were comfortable depicting elephants as worthy of artistic depiction on high-quality ceramics. On these vases, children are at play in a garden. One child is riding an elephant, under the graceful branches of a willow tree. Another appears to be lighting a firecracker. The vases are each 14-1/2" tall and 5" wide. The vases come with their original carved stands.
Price: 120 USD
Location: Morris, Illinois
End Time: 2024-12-04T14:02:10.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Primary Material: Porcelain & Pottery
Color: Blue and White
Original/Reproduction: Antique Original
Age: Post-1940
