White Elephant Collection

The Bennie Railplane, 1930, (1933). Creator: Unknown
The Bennie Railplane, 1930, (1933). The George Bennie railplane is an astounding device by which existing railways could be speeded up for passenger traffic

Thangka painting of Buddhas mother dreaming of a white elephant, Bhaktapur, Nepal, Asia

Indian Mughal miniature depicting a Prince being saluted by soldiers, 1850
3480381 Indian Mughal miniature depicting a Prince being saluted by soldiers, 1850; (add.info.: Indian Mughal miniature depicting a Prince being saluted by soldiers after he had killed a White)

Single Leaf of Two Young Men Riding a White Elephant, early 11th century AH/AD 17th century. Creator: Unknown
Single Leaf of Two Young Men Riding a White Elephant, early 11th century AH/AD 17th century. The seated man is being served wine

Illustration from a treatise on elephants, 1824. Creator: Unknown
Illustration from a treatise on elephants, 1824. This manuscript was created during the first years of the Bangkok dynasty

Washing the White Elephant, Ming dynasty (1369-1644), late 16th century. Creator: Unknown
Washing the White Elephant, Ming dynasty (1369-1644), late 16th century. After Zhang Sengyao or Qian Xuan. Detail from a larger artwork

Washing the White Elephant, Ming dynasty (1369-1644), late 16th century. Creator: Unknown
Washing the White Elephant, Ming dynasty (1369-1644), late 16th century. After Zhang Sengyao or Qian Xuan

Courtesan on White Elephant, 1765. Creator: Suzuki Harunobu
Courtesan on White Elephant, 1765. Attributed to Suzuki Harunobu

The Royal Order of the White Elephant of Siam conferred upon Her Majesty by the King of Siam (engraving)
1060118 The Royal Order of the White Elephant of Siam conferred upon Her Majesty by the King of Siam (engraving) by English School

A Ramakien performance (wall painting)
LIT389978 A Ramakien performance (wall painting) by Thai School; Ordination Hall, Wat Benchamabophit, Bangkok, Thailand; (add.info.: Ramakien, the national epic of Thailand)

Mr Phineas Taylor Barnum, of New York, Proprietor of the "White Elephant"(engraving)
1622359 Mr Phineas Taylor Barnum, of New York, Proprietor of the " White Elephant" (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mr Phineas Taylor Barnum)

An exceptional celebration in Bangkok, the capital of Siam, the consecration of the new white elephant (colour litho)
2777831 An exceptional celebration in Bangkok, the capital of Siam, the consecration of the new white elephant (colour litho) by Beltrame

The "White"Elephant at the Zoological Gardens (engraving)
6016549 The " White" Elephant at the Zoological Gardens (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Arrival of the "White Elephant"from Burmah (engraving)
1622353 Arrival of the " White Elephant" from Burmah (engraving) by Courbould, Alfred (fl.1831-75); Private Collection; (add.info.: Arrival of the " White Elephant" from Burmah)

Arrival of the "White Elephant"from Burmah (engraving)
1622352 Arrival of the " White Elephant" from Burmah (engraving) by Courbould, Alfred (fl.1831-75); Private Collection; (add.info.: Arrival of the " White Elephant" from Burmah)

Sketches at the Crystal Palace Potato Show (engraving)
1107192 Sketches at the Crystal Palace Potato Show (engraving) by Courbould, Alfred (fl.1831-75); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sketches at the Crystal Palace Potato Show)

The Prince Having been Proclaimed King is Paraded Through the City on a White Elephant, Folio from a Kalila wa Dimna, 18th century

The Telescope Completed, 1900. Creator: Unknown
The Telescope Completed, 1900. The Great Paris Exhibition Telescope of 1900, the largest refracting telescope ever constructed, had an objective lens of 1.25 m (49 in) in diameter

GTH081307
Clavell Tower which is a folly above Hen Cliff at Kimmeridge Bay

Interior of Tu-144 supersonic airliner
Supersonic flight. Interior of a Tupolev Tu-144 supersonic airliner. The Tu-144, known to NATO as Charger, first flew on 31 December 1968, two months before the Anglo-French Concorde

Tupolev Tu-144, first supersonic airliner
First supersonic airliner. A Tupolev Tu-144 airliner in flight. The Tu-144, known to NATO as Charger, first flew on 31 December 1968, two months before the Anglo-French Concorde

White Elephant of Ava

London Shoreditch Market Place

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"The White Elephant: A Fascinating Journey Through Time and Cultures" Step into a world of wonder as we explore the captivating history and symbolism of the white elephant. From ancient Thangka paintings to modern-day celebrations, this majestic creature has left an indelible mark on various civilizations. In 1930, the Bennie Railplane took flight, resembling a mythical white elephant soaring through the skies. Its creator remains unknown, but its innovative design captured imaginations worldwide. Traveling back in time to Bhaktapur, we discover a Thangka painting depicting Buddha's mother dreaming of a white elephant. This ethereal vision symbolizes purity and wisdom, showcasing the revered status of these creatures in Buddhist culture. During China's Ming dynasty in the late 16th century, an intriguing artwork called "Washing the White Elephant" emerged. The artist behind this masterpiece remains anonymous, yet their brushstrokes beautifully portrayed an intimate moment between man and beast. Moving forward to 1765 Japan, Suzuki Harunobu immortalized a courtesan gracefully perched atop a regal white elephant. This print showcases both elegance and power intertwined within one captivating image. The Royal Order of the White Elephant bestowed upon Her Majesty by the King of Siam holds great significance. An engraving captures this prestigious honor that highlights Thailand's deep-rooted reverence for these magnificent creatures. A Ramakien performance depicted through vibrant wall paintings transports us to Bangkok during exceptional celebrations where new they are consecrated with grandeur fit for royalty – truly an awe-inspiring spectacle. Not forgetting Mr Phineas Taylor Barnum from New York who proudly presented his own "White Elephant. " His entrepreneurial spirit brought joy to many as he showcased this rare creature at his renowned establishment. Zoological Gardens around the world have also been graced by these gentle giants throughout history. Engravings capture moments when visitors marveled at their sheer size and beauty, leaving an everlasting impression.