rare antique 19th-century Chinese cast bronze water vessel sculpted in the stylized form of a caparisoned elephant. Traditionally used as a scholar's water dropper, inkwell, or miniature water pot, this piece features a heavy, thick-walled cast construction with a deep, naturally aged dark brown patina and areas of genuine green verdigris oxidation.The elephant is heavily decorated with an ornamental saddlecloth displaying geometric linear panels and texture lines. The side features a distinct, incised square cartouche artist mark signature near the base rim. The top of the elephant's back has a smooth, wide circular opening leading to a hollow interior chamber.Condition:
The vessel is in excellent antique condition with no cracks, punctures, or restorations to the cast bronze. The heavy flat base is stable and completely sealed. It displays fantastic age-appropriate surface wear, minor firing anomalies, and a rich, uncleaned historical patina that gives it wonderful character.We offer combined shipping! To keep your shipping costs low, please add all desired items to your shopping cart and pay for them all at once. will automatically refund any overpaid shipping costs.Specifications:
- Material: Cast Bronze / Brass
- Subject: Caparisoned Elephant
- Function: Scholar's Water Dropper / Inkwell / Miniature Pot
- Dimensions: Ca. 3 1/2'' Wide x 2 3/4" Deep x 2 3/4" High (9 cm x 7 cm x 7 cm)
- Era: 19th Century (Qing Dynasty)
- Markings: Signed with an incised square cartouche near the base rim
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