Orientalist Elephant Table Lamp
Decorative Art / Electric Table Lamp • Mass-produced decorative home furnishing; manufactured by a company such as Wildwood Lamps, Frederick Cooper, or a similar high-end retail home decor brand.
Style & Movement
Hollywood Regency / Orientalism / Eclectic Retro
Medium & Technique
Cast resin or composite material with a faux-bronze/metallic patina; shade is woven textile (likely polyester or blended fabric) with a corded trim.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (c. 1980–2010)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 28–32 inches in total height; vertical portrait format.
Subject Description
The base features a caparisoned elephant carrying a ceremonial vase on its back (often referred to as a 'gu' shape). The elephant is adorned with a saddle cloth featuring relief patterns, and the vase is decorated with corded tassels and owl-like or mask motifs. The composition draws heavily from traditional Chinese 'Taiping Youxiang' (Elephant carrying a vase) symbolism, which represents peace and prosperity.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The base appears structurally sound with no major chips or breaks. The shade shows minor fraying at the trim.
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $250 USD
Auction Estimate
$50 - $150 USD
Provenance History
N/A; likely purchased through a retail furniture showroom or interior design trade outlet. Modern domestic history.
Art Historical Significance
Low historical significance in a fine arts context; it represents the late 20th-century trend of 'Global Chic' where Asian motifs were adapted for Western domestic interiors using modern casting materials.
Notable Features
Features ornate multicolored corded tassels which add a sense of texture; the base is attached to a stepped rectangular plinth that houses the electrical riser.
Condition Issues
Visible fraying on the trim of the lampshade; minor dust accumulation in the crevices of the cast base; potential oxidation or rubbing of the faux-bronze finish on high-relief points.
Conservation Recommendations
Dust with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid chemical solvents on the base which may strip the patina. Inspect electrical wiring for safety and replace the shade if the inner lining becomes brittle from heat.