Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Chinese Bronze Elephant Statue to the 18th Century.
Weighing an exceptionally heavy 2,499 grams (approx. 2.5 kg), this thick-walled high-copper alloy sculpture features a rich dark patination, with natural friction wear across high points and footpads revealing bright original mercury fire-gilding underneath. The piece displays crisp hand-chiseled detailing on the robes and facial features, alongside authentic calcified core residue trapped within deep recesses. Created as a contemplative scholar's desk object or heavy paperweight during the Late Ming or Early Qing transition, it combines auspicious iconography, impressive metal mass, and fine fire-gilt survival with tactile historical depth.
Specifications & Dimensions:
Period: 17th–18th Century (Late Ming / Early Qing Dynasty)
Height: 25 cm
Weight: 2,499 grams (approx. 2.5 kg)
Condition: Good antique condition
Material: High-copper alloy bronze with original mercury fire-gilding and calcified core residue
Function: Scholar's desk object / heavy paperweight (wenfang xiangshi)
Provenance: The G S. May Esquire Private Collection, London
Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Chinese Bronze Elephant Statue to the 18th Century.
Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sandbanks Antiques Profile Page
A Rare Chinese Heavy Bronze Scholar’s Group of Boys and an Elephant, 17th–18th Century
