Satsuma Style Gilt Ceramic Elephant Garden Stool

This item is a decorative elephant-shaped garden stool or pedestal, likely crafted from heavy ceramic or porcelain. It features a highly ornate 'Moriage' or Satsuma-style aesthetic, characterized by a dark cobalt or black ground heavily decorated with polychrome enamel floral patterns including peonies and cherry blossoms in shades of pink, red, and blue. The stool is topped with a circular platform featuring a beaded or 'millgrain' edge and gilded accents. The elephant's face is highlighted with large stylized eyes and a trunk raised slightly, with the end of the trunk and some of the lower facial details finished in bright gold-tone paint or gilding. The overall craftsmanship suggests a 20th-century manufacture, specifically in the mid-to-late 20th century, following the traditional Japanese style but likely produced for the export market. Its physical condition appears generally good and stable, though there is visible wear to the gilding on high-contact points, particularly around the trunk and the top rim. Subtle crazing may be present in the glaze due to age. This piece serves as both a functional side table or plant stand and a bold decorative accent, demonstrating a blend of Chinoiserie and traditional Japanese influences common in mid-century home decor.