Carved Elephant Appraisal

Carved Wooden Elephant Figurine

This is a carved wooden elephant figurine, depicted in a walking pose with its trunk raised in a trumpeting or celebratory gesture. The material appears to be a medium-toned wood, possibly teak or a similar hardwood, with a semi-gloss finish. The overall coloration is a natural wood hue, enhanced by what appears to be gold or brass-colored paint or gilding that highlights specific carved details. The elephant's body is intricately carved with decorative patterns, particularly on what would be the 'saddle' or ceremonial blanket covering its back and flanks. These patterns include stylized floral or paisley motifs framed by geometric borders. The carving style indicates a folk art or traditional Asian craftsmanship, with visible tool marks suggesting hand-carving rather than machine production. The feet and legs are robust, providing a stable base. The ears are large and fanned, a characteristic often associated with Asian elephants, and show some carved texture. The condition appears to be good, with a visible patina that suggests some age and handling, but no obvious signs of significant damage such as cracks, chips, or repairs. The raised trunk enhances the dynamic quality of the sculpture. The figurine demonstrates a reasonable level of detail and craftsmanship, with particular care given to the decorative elements on the body. The specific age is difficult to determine precisely without further information or a maker's mark, but it likely dates from the mid-to-late 20th century, consistent with tourist or decorative art from regions known for wood carving.