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Lot 1116

A gilt copper alloy bronze 'Precious Elephant' (Hastiratna)
Tibet, 17th century

19 March 2012, 14:00 EDT
New York

US$5,000 - US$7,000

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A gilt copper alloy bronze 'Precious Elephant' (Hastiratna)

Tibet, 17th century
With a long trunk outstretched offering a lotus and a slightly gaping mouth and narrow leaf shape ears, the elephant is surmounted by a 'wish-fulfilling gem' set on a four sectioned collar adorned with beaded swags over a pleated cloth. 8 in. (20.3 cm.) high

Footnotes

The precious elephant is one of the symbols of the chakravatin and is considered lord of all bull elephants - as large as a mountain, his skin white as snow. For further discussion see Beer, The Encylopedia of Tibetan Symbols, 1999, p. 163.

Provenance:
J. Russell Wherritt Trust

Additional information

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