In accordance with the second meaning of the Chinese word, I am selling rather the idea, the image of the magnificence of this sculpture from the time of its creation. What has been preserved suggests that it was dynamic and depicted an elephant in decorative harness, the remains of which can still be seen today. The animal probably had its trunk raised and was in motion, perhaps running. But these are only imaginings.

What captivated me about this sculpture was what many would consider a flaw. Its primitivism, particularly evident in the way the face and hands were crafted. This adds authenticity to the sculpture. The artist-craftsman made the figure just as his ancestor did two thousand years ago.