Elephant Procession Carved Lidded Box
Decorative art, specifically a hand-carved lidded wooden container • Unknown artisan; likely produced in Thailand, Indonesia (Bali), or Kenya, where similar elephant-themed export crafts are prevalent
Style & Movement
Contemporary Folk Art or Curio Export Ware
Medium & Technique
Hand-carved wood (likely Teak or Mango wood); features openwork (pierced) carving and low-relief detailing
Creation Period
Late 20th century (circa 1970-1990)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 to 14 inches in length; horizontal oblong/elliptical format
Subject Description
The piece features a continuous relief of an elephant procession through a savanna landscape with stylized acacia-like trees. The design is mirrored on both the lid and the base, utilizing negative space (openwork) to define the figures.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing typical signs of age-related wood drying and surface wear
Estimated Market Value
$30 - $60 USD
Auction Estimate
$20 - $45 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a souvenir or decorative import. Currently located in a secondary market/thrift setting alongside 1990s-era media (CDs), suggesting a previous domestic household ownership.
Art Historical Significance
Low; it represents a functional example of globalized artisan craft produced for the Western tourism and export market rather than a documented fine art piece.
Notable Features
Distinguished by the 'jail-work' or openwork style where the elephants are carved into the structure of the box rather than being applied to the surface; large scale for this type of decorative container.
Condition Issues
Visible surface dust in carved crevices, minor abrasions to the wood finish, and potential micro-cracking (checking) consistent with age and fluctuating humidity.
Conservation Recommendations
Clean with a soft brush or compressed air to remove dust; apply a light coat of museum-grade microcrystalline wax (like Renaissance Wax) to prevent further drying; keep away from direct heat sources.