MARUKOSHI AND SENSHO: AN IMPORTANT AND MONUMENTAL PAIR OF BRONZE ELEPHANTS WITH INLAID TUSK VASES The bronze by Marukoshi and the ivory tusk vases by Sensho, signed Marukoshi and Sensho Japan, early Meiji period (1868-1912) Each elephant is cast from bronze of superb quality with extremely fine incision work and molding, creating a highly naturalistic model of an elephant. Both pachyderms are shown in a different attitude, depicted in movement, swinging tail and swinging trunk. The tusks are inlaid in ivory. Both elephants show the signature MARUKOSHI underneath one of the feet. On the elephant’s back are waves carved from wood and lacquered in red and black, the sprays inlaid with mother-of-pearl and brass. On top of the waves sits a finely carved lacquered stand with key fret and asanoha patterns, the sides with metal and ivory finials. The stands are surmounted by finely carved and embellished ivory tusk vases continuing the aquatic theme of the composition. One tusk vase shows a procession with the dragon king of the sea Ryujin in the center surrounded by his attendants, all amidst swirling waves. Ryujin is wearing a dragon cap while his attendants have various aquatic creatures on their heads such as fugu, crabs and octopuses. The carving shows superior detail at the very highest level and is adorned with mother-of-pearl inlays. The second tusk vase is similarly decorated and shows Ryujin’s daughter Otohime surrounded by her attendants. She wears an oshidori (mandarin duck) cap and her attendants are presenting various objects such as magical pearls (tama) and scrolls. The tusk vase with Ryujin is signed on an inlaid mother-of-pearl plaque SENSHO. Both tusk vases are mounted on a lacquered wood base in order to fit onto the saddle of the elephants. Each elephant is set on a wood stand and thus each composition consists of four individual parts. The set is completely original and was likely intended for one of the world exhibitions and fairs Japan participated in during the Meiji period, to show off its splendors after centuries of isolation policy. HEIGHT each 85 cm (with stand) Condition: Superb and original condition, other than extremely minor wear to the lacquered wood there appears to be zero damages. Provenance: British collection, with old provenance label inside the tusk vase reading ‘Madame Lionel de Cailler’. Auction comparison: For a very similar example by the same artist see Sotheby’s, Art D’Asie, 13 June 2012, Paris, lot 249, sold for 36.750 EUR. Only one elephant by Marukoshi, without the mounted ivory tusk vase, was sold at Christie’s, Art D’Asie, 11 June 2008, Paris, lot 19, for 17.300 EUR. - - - 26.40 % buyer's premium on the hammer price, VAT included