Material and Technique:

• The two plates are crafted from copper, with layered relief designs that stand out as characteristic of mixed-metal Meiji work. The gilding and patination, particularly on the clothing and ornaments, enhance the visual contrast and signify skilled metalwork.

Design and Motifs:

• The figures are richly detailed, wearing traditional Chinese-style attire, which aligns with cultural crossovers seen in Meiji-era art. The central elephant, a symbol of strength and wisdom in both Chinese and Japanese traditions, underscores a connection to Asian mythology and royal symbolism.
• The border features intricate floral or scaled designs, possibly symbolic of protection or harmony.

Cultural Context:

• This plates likely catered to a Western audience during the late 19th century, a time when Meiji artisans adapted traditional themes for export markets. The mix of Chinese iconography with Japanese metalworking techniques reflects this hybridization.