In Chinese culture, elephants are stable, dependable and symbolize auspiciousness. An elephant carrying a vase was a popular decoration subject because of its auspicious meaning. The words for “vase” and “elephant” are homonymic with “peace” and “signs,” thus coinciding with a Chinese proverb: “When there is peace, there are signs” (tai ping you xiang).

Four directions and four elephants symbolize a gathering from all four corners. Together they rise in peace, auspiciousness and the return of accomplishment. For friends, this is a blessing for synergy. For professionals, this is a blessing for rising success. For family, this is a blessing for the home.

Following the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the symbol of the elephant and vase was mainly used by the imperial family.