Elephant

The elephant was once indigenous in China and found in Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong and Hunnan.  They were known to be used for ceremonies and warfare.  There were Shang and Zhou bronzes featuring elephant. 

The elephant is a symbol of strength, sagacity and prudence.

In Chinese the word for elephant is xiang (象）and is a homophone for xiang（祥） meaning auspicious. A common design depict an elephant with a vase on its back.  A homophone for vase is ping (平）ie peace.  It conveys the auspicious message of peace and serenity.