Vintage paired sculptures "Elephants". Made of bronze and covered with a noble patina. Asia, 20th century.

The elephant is a very common image in many cultures of the world, symbolizing wisdom, stability, loyalty and prosperity. In India, the animal is sacred and occupies a special place in the country's culture. For Japan, the elephant is an exotic animal, its realistic images in bronze sculpture appeared in the last third of the 19th century. Before that time, its images were conditional, since the masters copied examples of Buddhist art from India and China. In the Buddhist pantheon, the elephant was the riding animal of the deity of wisdom Fugen. In addition, the elephant is considered the personification of power, prudence and protection. Asia, 20th century.