Chinese Vase with Elephant Handles and Qianlong Mark

Gilded elephant heads serve as handles, and they seem perfectly happy to hold up their end.

This vase with elephant handles and Qianlong mark comes from China and dates to the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912 CE). It is painted and gilded porcelain. Elephant-head handles are a favorite on Chinese vases because the word for elephant, xiang, sounds like the word for good fortune or peace. Here the pear-shaped body is painted in iron red and gilt with an elegantly dressed scholar and attendants in a courtyard. A gilt seal medallion and a block of calligraphy with a red seal appear on the reverse. It is 5.5 inches wide, 5.5 deep and 7.75 high.

Good fortune, delivered by elephant.