PROVENANCE: In China, the double-gourd or bottle-gourd, Hulu, has traditionally provided a very popular form for vases and ewers. In addition to their attractive shape, bottle-gourds are associated with a number of different auspicious wishes. Because natural gourds have many seeds, they have been regarded as symbols of extensive progeny. Indeed, one of their attributes is believed to be bringing hundreds of sons, Hulu baizi. The pronunciation of the Chinese word for bottle-gourd varies in different parts of China, and in some areas it is close to Fulu - Fu being blessings, and lu being an official salary - hence it is associated with good fortune and wealth. Elegantly presented upon round slight tall stand and fitted original effigies, in turquoise green base color against famille rose of flowers blooms. The elephant is sometimes shown carrying a "treasure" vase (bao ping) on its back. Since the word "vase" (ping) has the same pronunciation as the word for "peace" (Ping'an), the implied meaning is "may you have 'good luck' (elephant) and 'peace' (vase)". The Elephant - is the last of the four Animals of Power and Energy. It represents strength, sagacity, and prudence. Dimensions: Height: 7-7/8" Diameter: 5-1/2" Stand Width: 2-1/8" Width: 5-7/8" Chinese Qing Dynasty Qianlong Emperor Reign period, Elephant porcelain effigies. The porcelain casted to a modeled in the form of a caparisoned standing figure of an elephant effigies, with their heads slightly facing left shoulder, with its hump covered with gilt bronze cloisonne blanket carrying double ground bottle shape vase with an inverted neck and lotus flower flared rim candle holder on its back, glazed in coral-red with famille rose details on the howda. he blanket wealthy decorated with colorful cloisonne against its turquoise blue ground of Early Buddhist treasures "Bajixiang". The statues adorned with many auspicious floral patterns with colorful semi-precious stones inlaid. The design is elegant with colors that entice the eyes. This is truly a masterful work of art. The design is well-proportioned, the clay fine and exquisite, the glaze smooth with a moist appearance, the finishing meticulous. The Under-base bears reign mark, a four underglaze blue script characters reign mark, enclosed within double square frame borders, Made In The Years of Qianlong Reign Period.