This is a superb cast glass figurine of a monkey riding an elephant. The object was created by melting the glass directly into an elaborated mould, while some of the details, for example the animals' fur, have been finished by hand. Similar animal figures were also made in other materials, notably rock crystal, since ancient times in China. During the Qing Dynasty, clear glass was often used in place of rock crystal, due to its better workability and the possibility to use moulds.