Terracotta Elephant Stool Appraisal

Ceramic Elephant Garden Stool/Planter Stand

This item is a ceramic garden stool or planter stand, molded in the form of a stylized elephant. Its primary colors are a vivid emerald green for the elephant's body and a deep cobalt blue for the saddle-like top portion and decorative accents. The elephant's body features a glossy, somewhat irregularly applied green glaze, characteristic of ceramic items that may have been crafted with a more rustic or hand-finished approach rather than mass industrial production. A prominent 'saddle' or 'howdah' is depicted on its back, rendered in the same rich blue, atop which a rectangular pedestal also in blue serves as the flat surface. This pedestal has a slightly tapered silhouette. Encircling the elephant's back where the blue saddle meets the green body is a decorative band defined by a raised, repeating geometric pattern (possibly a meander or grecque key motif) rendered in a contrasting bright yellow enamel or glaze. Below this yellow band, on the elephant's side, is a recessed panel with intricate, molded relief details, also finished in the cobalt blue glaze, suggesting a floral or mythical creature design. The elephant features stout legs and a roughly sculpted head with visible eyes and a trunk curled upwards or forwards, though details are somewhat obscured by the glaze. There are observable condition issues: several chips are present, particularly visible on the feet where the white ceramic body is exposed, indicating wear and impact. The glaze also shows some inconsistencies and minor pitting, which could be part of its original character or signs of age and exposure to the elements. The overall aesthetic suggests an item of East Asian influence, possibly from the mid to late 20th century, designed for outdoor or patio use due to its robust construction and weather-resistant materials. The craftsmanship appears sturdy, though not exceptionally refined, typical of decorative garden ceramics.