"Elephant-shaped Perfume Burner. Japan 19° Kutani Kilns."
The elephant is made of hard porcelain enameled, the artist modeled it with care, it is very likely that it was created using several molds. It carries on its back a vase which serves as a receptacle for incense. The statuette is hollow, vents to evacuate gases during firing were discreetly made under the ears. Examining the underside we can see the shrinkage slots in the porcelain, which could have broken during firing. In the 19th century it was difficult to fire porcelain with this complex shape, a large number of pieces had to break. The colors used are typically those of Kutani kilns. Height: 235mm. Good condition. It is likely that a lid is missing. 
Le Magazine de PROANTIC
TRÉSORS Magazine
Rivista Artiquariato