Research:
Of painted wood. Each carved in the form of a male Asian elephant.
Marks:
One incised to the rump in Thai script
The present pair of elephant sculptures belongs to a long tradition of portraying this majestic and awe-inspiring animal in art, architecture, and decorative objects. A hand-carved inscription on the rump of each suggests that they were made in the area of Nai Harn in Phuket, Thailand, the country historically known as Siam, where the elephant played a role in the religion and mythology, art, and even diplomacy of the country. “The vitality and diversity of the numerous portraits of the elephant reflect not only the Thai people’s affinity with this engaging animal, but also their recognition of its role in the history and traditions of the land.”
The sculptures portray a pair of Asian elephants, distinguished from the African elephant by a number of features, mainly in the form of its head, trunk and back. The paintwork of the present elephants, with its subtle fading to a pinkish tone around the ears and chest with freckles, indicates the depigmentation that occurs as an elephant ages.Although the sculptures realistically capture the form and essence of the elephant, there is an artistic dimension to them found within their physiognomy; the facial detailing is remarkable for having a spiral pattern carved in low relief. The realistic rendering and secular nature of the present sculptures, place them outside of the historical convention of representing elephants though a spiritual lens, and they can confidently be classified as a product of the nineteenth century.
Full research report available on request.