A BAMBOO-ROOT 'ELEPHANT AND BOYS' GROUP QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the elephant standing foursquare with its head turned to the left, its long curling tusks skilfully rendered, depicted with two figures on its back holding between them a large vase, a third boy on the side clutching a ruyi sceptre, the stipple-grained surface patinated to a warm brown colour, carved wood stand

The rim of the vase has been restored and there is also a stabilized crack around the shoulder with associated overpainting. The interior of the vase with some flaking to the overpainting. The carving is adhered to the wood stand and it has not been examined out of its stand.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A closely related bamboo carving is illustrated in Hai Bo, Zhu Mu Ya Jiao Qi Zhenshang, Tainan, 1995, pl. 10, together with two further related examples, pls. 8 and 9; and one with the saddle carved with clouds, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, was included in the Museum's exhibition Auspicious Ju-i Sceptres of China, Taipei, 1995, cat. no. 101.