Miniature Elephant Figurine
Decorative Sculpture / Miniature Figurine • Anonymous artisan; likely mass-produced in India or East Asia for the export decorative market
Style & Movement
Decorative Art / Mid-Century Modern Animalia
Medium & Technique
Cast brass or brass alloy with hand-finished filing and polishing
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970-1990)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in length; miniature scale, landscape orientation.
Subject Description
A simplified, stylized representation of an elephant with a lowered trunk curving inward. The form is anatomical but smoothed, emphasizing solid mass over intricate detail.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; shows signs of oxidation and surface wear typical of handling and age.
Estimated Market Value
$10 - $25 USD
Auction Estimate
$5 - $15 USD (likely sold as part of a larger lot of brass miniatures)
Provenance History
Unknown; characteristic of items sold through global trade gift shops or interior decor wholesalers.
Art Historical Significance
Minor; represents the mid-to-late 20th-century trend for brass animal figurines as household curios and the globalization of regional metalwork crafts.
Notable Features
Distinguished by its heavy solid-cast feel despite its small size and the characteristic 'trunk-down' pose often associated with peace or stability in various cultural interpretations.
Condition Issues
Surface scratches, minor pitting from the casting process, and verdigris/tarnish in recessed areas (specifically near the ears and trunk).
Conservation Recommendations
Surface cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap; professional polishing only if a high-shine finish is desired, otherwise preserve existing patina.