Carving: Standing Elephant with Attendants

8/16/2011: "An animated spirited 18th century Chinese bamboo root carving of a standing elephant with wrinkled skin, having three male attendants, two of which are on top with one pouring water from a bucket, onto the elephant, the third attendant below holding the elephant’s ear, 6 3/4” H x 4 1/2” W. The elephant, which is found in Yunnan, was believed to have existed all over China, in ancient times, as represented in Shang bronzes. The elephant was thought to be the wisest of animals and, as such, plays an important role in Buddhism. Legends state that the white elephant appeared to Maya, the mother of Sakyamuni, in a dream, to indicate that she would bear a son who would become a great sage, and the Bodhisattva of wisdom. Samantabhadra, the All-Good, one of the Eighteen Lohan, is sometimes depicted riding an elephant. It is also believed that elephants represent happiness, strength, prudence, sound judgement, power, and energy in addition to being able to grant wishes." - Bernie McManus, Woodbury House appraiser, 7/27/2011