IMPRESSIVE PAIR OF CARVED ELEPHANT TUSKS.
China. Qing dynasty. 19th c.

Ivory; carved in openwork relief. Each tusk stands upright on a base made of dark; heavy wood in form of dragons on clouds. The story of Guo Ziyi (697-781); a general in the Tang dynasty who successfully ended the An-Lushan-rebellion and participated in fights against the Uighurs and Tibetans. Various warriors are shown; as well as a banquet and other scenes. On the underside of each tusk a river with fish; at the ends each with a dragon in stylized clouds. Underneath of one dragon a sign with four characters (Long Qian Ju Hai); originally an inscription from a temple in Southern China meaning 'A dragon dives deep into the sea'. Weight 1260/1340 g. Each height 78cm; length teeth 70cm. Condition B. Damages at the sealed thicker end of each tusk.

Provenance:
-Private collection. Acquired at Lempertz as Lot 340/340a; March 1920. Estate of Prof. Dr. Kocks-Geyr von Schweppenburg; Bonn.

Please note that objects made of ivory; rhinoceros horn and turtle shell; due to Cites regulations can only be sold within the European Community. At present the export in third countries is prohibited.
Art trade; Van Ham.