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19th Century Shiwan Elephant Sculpture
$800
£610.38
€694.87
CA$1,124.41
A$1,236
CHF 648.89
MX$14,696.92
NOK 8,333.27
SEK 7,590.71
DKK 5,191.79
About the Item
Guangdong Province, China Iron Oxide Body with Celadon Accents
A rare and beautifully stylized Shiwan (also known as Shekwan) pottery elephant, dating to the mid to late 19th century Qing Dynasty. Made in the famous Shiwan kilns of Guangdong Province, this sculptural ceramic captures the region’s unique blend of folk expression, technical mastery, and Buddhist influence.
The body is formed in a rich iron oxide slip, with a burnished, unglazed surface that gives the piece an almost bronze-like presence, while the ears and eyes are touched with a delicate celadon glaze, adding a quiet contrast and soft animation to the expression. The form itself is masterful: simplified, bold, and subtly abstracted—a perfect bridge between traditional representation and modern biomorphic design.
The Shiwan kilns, active since the Tang Dynasty but reaching their peak in the Qing period, became renowned for their expressive figures, glazed statuary, and scholar’s objects, many of which were created for domestic altars or literati spaces. Elephants, often symbolic of wisdom, strength, and peace in Chinese culture, were popular motifs, and this version—rendered with such sculptural clarity—feels especially refined.
In recent years, Chinese art and antiques have surged in global demand, with domestic collectors, museums, and institutions in China repatriating cultural artifacts. This renewed focus on reclaiming Chinese heritage has driven up prices, especially for authentic Qing and Ming period works, making this an exceptional opportunity to acquire a rare and increasingly sought-after object.
This piece has been in my personal collection for many years, appreciated not just for its charm and elegance, but also for its deep historical resonance. A beautiful addition to both modern interiors and curated collections—perfect on a pedestal, console, or bookshelf where it can be appreciated as a sculptural artwork.
- Dimensions:Height: 6 in (15.24 cm)Width: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)Depth: 3 in (7.62 cm)
- Style:Other (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Mid to late 19th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. In Good shape no issues.
- Seller Location:Kilmarnock, VA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU883043831092
About the Seller
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