Incense Burner, Boy On Elephant. China Qing Dynasty, 18th Century.

A small bronze incense burner cast using the lost-wax method, finished with a scraper and then finely chased. The tail hairs and the folds of the elephant's skin are particularly well executed. The subject depicted, a boy on the back of an elephant, is highly symbolic in China and was very popular during the Qing dynasty, but it existed even before. The child represents the continuation of the lineage, while the elephant represents wisdom and calm strength, thus ensuring the child a harmonious mastery of his life through virtue. It was a gift given at a wedding to the expectant mother or at the birth of a child. The boy was removable, allowing for the supply of incense; however, a collector has fixed the child to the elephant with two solder points, fortunately using tin, which is reversible and has not affected the beautiful antique patina. Height 12 cm. China, 18th century or earlier.