Korean
Incense Burner: Elephant, 18th century
Granite , 20.5 x 39.5 x 15 cm (8 1/16 x 15 9/16 x 5 7/8 in.)
General admission for children 17 years and under is always free
A Korean incense burner carved from granite that is shaped like an elephant. It has a thick trunk curled towards its mouth where long tusks protrude out. It's forehead features some wrinkles in relief, and it's eyes are almond-shaped. The elephant’s ears are in relief and pressed against its head. Its back is hollowed out in a rectangle to burn the incense. The space is surrounded by a wave pattern in relief. Its tail hangs between its legs and its feet are defined by carved lines.
Early Italian Room
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.