Antique
Japanese Netsuke Sacred
Elephant
In
Procession
Signed: Gyokuseki. Circa: early 1900S'
H
1.75 in.(4.5cm), W 1.75 in.(4.5cm), D 0.75
in.(2cm) Condition: excellent! The
sacred white elephant lived in the palace complex like a guest, was fed delicacies
and draped in fine textiles, watched over by the emperor’s own physician, bathed
and oiled regularly, sung to and petted. Its wellbeing was an omen; any harm coming
to it must be allayed. The elephant in general represents strength, wisdom and
prudence and the white elephant is sacred, as it was a white elephant which descended
to bring the Buddha to birth from the right side of Mayadevi. Well carved in cream
colored ivory with age patina, striations and Schreger lines, and signed on the
rear left foot, the elephant wears a rich caparison, decorated with beaded ornaments
and engraved clouds.
Private Collection | |