This ivory elephant sculpture is a "tour de force" of design and features workmanship from the 1880s. It has mother of pearl flowers on the stained ivory harness and half pearls on the headstall. The saddlecloths with carved Japanese figures are bordered by a fringe with mother of pearl. And the blanket with branches, flowers, and leaves carries a plinth with mother of pearl rosettes which supports a platform with a border of stained ivory, half pearls and mother of pearl. The pillars and scrolled railing surround the supported crystal ball.

• Meiji Period Shibayama Inlaid Ivory Elephant with Crystal Ball, Japan, circa 1880.
• A mother of pearl, pearl, coral, and metal decorated ivory elephant.
• Measurement: 141⁄2 x 11 x 63⁄4 inches.