Elephant

Historical period(s)
Song dynasty, 960-1279
Medium
Jade
Dimensions
H x W x D: 5.3 x 11.8 x 7.6 cm (2 1/16 x 4 5/8 x 3 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S1987.825
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Jade
Type

Figure: elephant

Keywords
China, elephant, Song dynasty (960 - 1279), WWII-era provenance
Provenance
Provenance information is currently unavailable
Label

Without much distortion of the original shape of the stone, an artisan produced in this piece a winsome elephant, which as a motif has a long history in Chinese art. The animal was prized as a source of the favored luxury good, ivory, and was also associated with symbolic meanings. The Chinese word for elephant (xiang) sounds like another word meaning "image" or "emblem," so the animal was considered to symbolize a visible manifestation of the hidden workings of the cosmos.

This carving is difficult to date with certainty, but the sensitive, almost naturalistic portrayal of the elephant suggests a date in the Song dynasty. The precise articulation of the individual toes, including on the underside of the feet, is another feature typical of Song dynasty workmanship. Members of the scholar class liked to collect jades because they felt the innate qualities of the stone--its hardness and smooth tactile quality--were good metaphors for the integrity and purity of a gentleman.

Published References
  • Bo Gyllensvard. Celadon, Jade: Finds, Specimen, Scientific Results; Exhibition. Exh. cat. Stockholm, May-June 1963. no. 156.
  • The Arts of the Ming Dynasty. no. 30 London. cat. 352.
  • Daisy Lion-Goldschmidt, Jean-Claude Moreau-Gobard. Chinese Art: Bronze, Jade, Sculpture, Ceramics. The Universe Library of Antique Art 4 vols., , 1st edition. London and New York. pl. 88.
  • Chinese Jade Animals. Exh. cat. Hong Kong. cat. 100.
  • Jessica Rawson, John Ayers. Chinese Jade Throughout the Ages: An Exhibit. Exh. cat. London. cat. 205, 73.
  • John Johnston, Chan Lai Pik. 5000 Years of Chinese Jade. Exh. cat. San Antonio, Texas, 2011. cat. 50, p. 85.
  • et al. Asian Art in the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery: The Inaugural Gift. Washington, 1987. cat. 88, p. 135.
  • Jean-Pierre Dubosc. Mostra d'arte Cinese: Catalogo. Exh. cat. Venice. p. 233.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use