Description
Large pair of Chinese export Canton porcelain elephant form candleholders, ca. 1810. Each of the wrinkly-nosed animals modeled standing foursquare with a vase (used as a candleholder in the West) emerging from a blanket upon its back. The body of the elephant in iron-red and richly decorated with gilt details. The saddles decorated in famille rose with profuse floral elements. Each marked along the underside.
Provenance: The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff.
Reference:
Sargent, "The Copeland Collection," pg. 196-7, no. 94.
Howard & Ayers, "China for the West," pg. 610-11, no. 638.
Gordon, "Collecting Chinese Export Porcelain," pg. 100, pl. 87l
Lot Essay:
The elephant is a symbol of the Universal Ruler due to its size and strength, and became one of the auspicious symbols of Buddhism. It is often an attribute of royalty due to its association to bodhisattvas. Additionally, along with the lion, tiger, and leopard, is one of the four creative forces representing power or energy.
While elephants roamed China in prehistoric times, they may have been reintroduced as tributes from Yunnan and Vietnam. They were known gifts to the Kangxi emperor from the King of Siam and line Ming tombs outside Beijing and Nanjing.
With these associations in mind, elephants were often used in pairs as vases or censers for alters. Upon the backs of each of these figures, they carry a vase (ping), which is a pun on the word peace (ping). These vases were intended to hold flowers or Buddhist/Daoist emblematic objects. Differing objects could be combined to create linguistic puns.
(Each) height: 7 1/2 in x width: 9 in x depth: 6 1/2 in.
Provenance: The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff.
Reference:
Sargent, "The Copeland Collection," pg. 196-7, no. 94.
Howard & Ayers, "China for the West," pg. 610-11, no. 638.
Gordon, "Collecting Chinese Export Porcelain," pg. 100, pl. 87l
Lot Essay:
The elephant is a symbol of the Universal Ruler due to its size and strength, and became one of the auspicious symbols of Buddhism. It is often an attribute of royalty due to its association to bodhisattvas. Additionally, along with the lion, tiger, and leopard, is one of the four creative forces representing power or energy.
While elephants roamed China in prehistoric times, they may have been reintroduced as tributes from Yunnan and Vietnam. They were known gifts to the Kangxi emperor from the King of Siam and line Ming tombs outside Beijing and Nanjing.
With these associations in mind, elephants were often used in pairs as vases or censers for alters. Upon the backs of each of these figures, they carry a vase (ping), which is a pun on the word peace (ping). These vases were intended to hold flowers or Buddhist/Daoist emblematic objects. Differing objects could be combined to create linguistic puns.
(Each) height: 7 1/2 in x width: 9 in x depth: 6 1/2 in.
Condition
To one elephant there is a large amount of overspray to the candle holder, likely corresponding to repaired cracks, though the amount of overspray makes it difficult to discern the extent of the restorations. To the other elephant there has been extensive repainting to the green elements throughout. Large areas of repainting to the harness elements. To this same elephant there are areas of either crazing or separation of the red glaze along the front legs and chest. Both elephants with losses to the gilt decoration. Light wear to the undersides of the feet.
Buyer's Premium
30%
Lrg Pr Canton Famille Rose Elephant Vases
Estimate $2,000-$4,000
Starting Bid
$1,000
Good Bid
Strong Bid
Competitive Bid
4 bidders are watching this item
Get approved to bid.
LiveAuctioneers Purchase Protection
Vetted auction houses
Secure, online bidding
Returns guaranteed for misrepresented listings
Dedicated support when you need it
Shipping & Pickup DetailsItem located in: St. Paul, MN, US Local pickup available Arrange Your Own Shipping
Shipping Available
Ways to Pay on LiveAuctioneers
Wire Transfer (Bank Payment)
Meet the Auction House
286
4.7
8214
This auction is curated by:
Sean BlanchetAsian Art Specialist
Robert SnellPaintings and Sculpture Specialist
Leo & Doris Hodroff Chinese Export Collection
Nov 12, 2026, 11:00 AM ESTSt. Paul, MN, United States
$500
$1,500
$500
$200
$1,500
$150
$750
$125
$500
$750
$3,000
$400
$200
$500
$300
$500
Related Items
$350
(1 bid)
$550
$250
$100
$190
$100
$100
Related Articles
By Sheila Gibson StoodleySeptember 18, 2026
TOP