Mythical Elephant Stone Mortar

c. 1850
$1,880 USD SOLD
Dimensions
W: 9.5" D: 7.25" H: 6.25"
Materials
Limestone
Collection #
Z204B
Estimated Shipping
$200

Hand-carved from a single block of limestone, this 19th-century sculptural container was originally used as a mortar, possibly in a Chinese apothecary to grind herbal medicines. With a clean, rounded form, the mortar is devoid of decoration, save for a mythical creature carved into the handle. The bat-like creature is carved with the head of an elephant in its mouth, in reference to the bashe dragon, a serpentine mythological creature that swallows elephants whole. The striking scene evokes the Chinese idiom "ba she tun xiang," a cautionary phrase that warns against excessive greed and consumption. With a beautifully aged surface texture that calls to be touched, this stone mortar looks enchanting as a planter filled with flowers or lush greenery.

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Andrea Goldman | Andrea Goldman Design

“Over the years, I’ve incorporated many pieces from PAGODA RED into my designs. Not only can they balance new furnishings (and often new construction) by feeling more established, but the pieces emanate a sense of rich history, often leaving you wondering where they were in a previous life. These beautiful pieces carefully hand-selected by the team at PAGODA RED, coupled with their unbelievable customer service, make them a must-have for any home.”

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