An antique 19th Century or earlier (much earlier) tsakli painting in mineral pigments depicting a caparisoned elephant - the elephant was historically used as a weapon of war where its size and strength overcame obstacles in its path. The Precious Elephant, one of the 7 possessions of the Chakravartin, has the strength of a thousand ordinary elephants. He is the Lord of all bull elephants and his skin is white as snow. In battle the Precious Elephant is inexhaustible, fearless and unassailable. In peacetime he is wise and dignified, his step serene and gentle- he is perfectly obedient to his master, the Chakravartin. In this tsakli he is carrying a great howdah filled with an offering of 'a thousand' precious jewels on his back, a golden jewel crowns his noble head. 9.5 x 12cm.