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Ritual vessel (xiangzun)

Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong mark and period (1736–95)
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 216
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.
This specific type of elephant vessel was created for summer ceremonies at the Imperial Ancestral Temple. The elephant is more naturalistic than antique in style, and its mostly undecorated vase recalls the shape of Ming or Qing ceramics. The shape may be inspired by Buddhist works depicting elephants carrying vases of plenty on their backs, rather than by archaic precedents.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 清乾隆　銅禮器象尊
  • Title: Ritual vessel (xiangzun)
  • Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong mark and period (1736–95)
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Copper alloy
  • Dimensions: H. 14 1/2 in. (36.8 cm), Diam. 4 3/8 in. (11.2 cm); Wt. 39.7 lb (18 kg)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by The Palace Museum
  • Rights and Reproduction: Photograph courtesy of The Palace Museum, Beijing
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art