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Subject:Re: Chinese porcelain - Washing the elephant SAO XIANG
Posted By: Tim Tue, Jun 30, 2015
Note that in my vase one of the attendants is holding a bull hook, a tool used to control the elephant. There are actually 2 attendants with bull hooks (see the additional photos I've attached).
This is an important change from the earlier 17th c. depictions that I would like to point out. In the early depictions, attendants are seen only with wash brooms and/or Buddhist staffs.
One possible explanation is that early SAO XIANG depictions were rendered during a period when almost no one had ever seen or been around an elephant. They would not have known what tools were used to control elephants at that time. Furthermore, the use of these cruel tools probably would not have been well received by those practicing Buddhism.
That said, I have no idea what role the man in chains plays in the depiction. Any thoughts?
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