A MAGNIFICENT PAIR OF CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL FIGURES OF CAPARISONED ELEPHANTSQIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)The elephants are modelled in mirror image, each standing foursquare with its head slightly turned to one side. The olive green body is inlaid with wavy gilded cloisons representing the wrinkled hide. The backs are adorned with a saddle and draped with a blanket enamelled with a lively upright five-clawed dragon, poised to capture a 'flaming pearl' floating amidst ruyi clouds, above crested waves breaking against jagged rocks on a blue ground. The back is set with a small gilt-bronze saddle cast and chased with lotus scrolls and embellished on both sides with turquoise and blue beads and surmounted by a square vase with loose ring handles.20 3/4 in. (52.5 cm.) high