Posted 7 years ago
delboy
(2 items)
Bought from a government run antique shop in Shanghai, China in 1987. Didn't cost a lot and a more knowledgeable friend felt the weight and declared it "quite old". No idea of the symbolism of the object but age is venerated in China, as are scholarly types (the figure is holding a paper scroll), and elephants are known for their longevity. So perhaps the carving represents age and wisdom.
