Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)The pachyderm stands on its four feet with the head turned to its left, exotically caparisoned with a saddle finely incised with Ho-o birds (Japanese phoenix) and jeweled swags, the tusks inlaid in ivory. The elephant carries a globular vessel serving as the koro (incense burner), partially covered by a modeled cloth secured with a tasseled cord, the domed cover surmounted by a handle in the form of a rat sitting on Daikoku’s mallet. The cloth with circumferential leafy bands of family crests in shallow relief.HEIGHT 30.3 cmWEIGHT 4 kilogramsCondition: Excellent condition with some wear and tiny scratches. The original ivory tusks are still in place. It is rare to find a bronze which consists of five separate pieces to be still absolutely original and complete!Provenance: From an English private estate.