Bronze Oriental lanterns

[SilverFox]

Hi everyone. I have so many diverse items in my collection that I don't know much about so I really appreciate your help and advice. So here it goes with something really different!!
All I know is its a pair of bronze and inlaid silver oriental lanterns.
One end is a Phoenix and the other end is an elephant as far as we can see.

Any help will be lovely
Xx

[KC]

Okay, that is one of the coolest lamps I have seen in a long time! That could go with so many styles, designs, etc.

Are there any markings on it?

[SilverFox]

Hi KC
I know they are so amazing and detailed. There is Chinese writing on the actual lantern bit but I have no idea what it says. They are the only markings that I can see really.
I will take another picture in the daylight (tomorrow) and add it on here so you can see the writing.

[mart]

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=chinese+bronze%2C+phoenix+lantern%2C+

Is it like the first one in the row of pics here ??

[KC]

There was one on ebay (not exactly like yours) and it is stated that it was an incense burner!  Bird is a phoenix used often in Chinese symbolism.

What is interesting you usually see a Phoenix and dragon conjoined.  Not an elephant.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/131359067412