Figurine of a Trumpeting Elephant on Wooden Base
Sculpture, decorative figure in the round • Anonymous artisan; likely produced in a regional workshop in South Asia (India or Sri Lanka) or potentially East African trade centers.
Style & Movement
Naturalistic Animalier / Folk Art; stylistically consistent with tourist-trade decorative arts from mid-century colonial and post-colonial periods.
Medium & Technique
Hand-carved organic ivory with polished finish; mounted on a carved and stained dark wood base. The technique involves subtractive carving and surface polishing.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1930-1960)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 4-6 inches in height including base; horizontal landscape format figurine.
Subject Description
A naturalistic representation of an Asian elephant with its trunk raised in a trumpeting gesture. The animal is depicted mid-stride with visible ear folds, tusks, and tail details. The subject signifies power, wisdom, and good luck in many Eastern cultures.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; significant hairline cracking (Schreger line degradation) visible on the hindquarters and flanks consistent with age and environmental desiccation.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $300 USD (Note: Market value is highly suppressed by international and local trade bans on ivory. Sale usually requires permit documentation showing pre-1947 provenance).
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD (Subject to local legal restrictions and auction house compliance with ivory ban policies).
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired as a decorative export or souvenir during the mid-20th century. Trade and ownership are now strictly regulated under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
Art Historical Significance
Represents a period of active global trade in ivory decorative objects before modern conservation efforts. While a skilled piece of carving, its significance lies more in socioeconomic history and colonial-era craft than in high-art innovation.
Notable Features
Prominent display of natural Schreger lines (cross-hatching) identifying the material as genuine elephant ivory; distinctively carved 'saw-tooth' decorative edge on the wooden plinth.
Condition Issues
Notable drying cracks (craquelure) across the torso and back; minor discoloration due to oxidation of natural oils; potential loss of small tip an individual tusk; base shows wear and dust accumulation.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a stable environment with 45-55% relative humidity to prevent further cracking. Avoid direct sunlight or high-heat lighting. Clean only with a dry, soft microfiber cloth.
Collector Notes
Ivory antique on wooden base