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A collection of four decorative elephant ornaments in two distinct styles and materials. The lot includes a pair of large composite figurines and two smaller figures carved from a dark, dense hardwood. The composite pair are depicted as caparisoned Indian elephants in a walking pose, featuring ornate molded decorations including headpieces, fringed saddlecloths with chevron and stipple patterns, and decorative tail bands. They are finished with a buff-coloured, textured surface to resemble aged stone or terracotta and have flat, unfinished bases with no visible maker’s marks. The two smaller naturalistic figures are carved from a dark wood, possibly ebony or a similar stained tropical wood. One features a lowered trunk while the other has a raised, curled trunk. The smaller wood elephant retains one inset tusk of a light-coloured bone-style material. No signatures or marks are visible on the wooden examples.
Condition report:
The collection shows significant condition issues. One large composite figurine has a broken and detached tusk, though it remains present (photo 5). Both composite figures exhibit structural cracks, particularly visible at the upper legs and joints (photo 7 and 8), alongside surface scuffing and ingrained dirt. The larger carved wood elephant is missing both tusks, leaving visible inset holes (photo 3). The smaller wood elephant is missing one tusk and has a small chip to the tip of one ear (photo 2). Both wooden figures show minor age-related drying cracks and surface wear to the finish.
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