Shang Dynasty Jade Elephant Sculpture with Inscription Engraved

Description

Before the mid-Western Zhou Dynasty, the climate in the Central China was warm and humid, and the average annual temperature was higher than modern times. It was suitable for wild elephants to inhabit. Henan was called “豫州” in ancient times and was named after elephants. Ancient documents record people of Shang Dynasty domesticating elephants, and the jade elephant sculpture is a proof.

This jade elephant is standing and has a large solid body. The long nose is raised, and the tip of the nose is rolled into a round hole. There are three sets of double line herringbone patterns on the trunk. The mouth is triangular, slightly open, and there is an old broken on the lower lip. A pair of big ears are close to the body and decorated with moiré patterns. There is a diamond pattern between the ears. There is a groove under the neck, a pair of moire patterns are on the left and right sides.

The jade elephant has short limbs, sturdy and powerful, with a drooping pointed tail. The tail is decorated with two sets of double line wavy patterns.

The jade elephant is light yellow, the jade is vitage and has some jade texture changes with fine porridge-like spots distributed on the surface. The right buttocks are slightly calcified with signs of weathering and soil erosion.

This round carved jade elephant sculpture of the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 B.C.) combines abstraction and realism to show its naive and gentle manner. The decorative lines is distinctive and powerful.
The jade elephant has a four-character inscription on its abdomen, which is of high grade.