Celadon Elephant Figure

Description

This animated, Celadon elephant figurine is a tribute, by the artist, to Asian elephants. These elephants are smaller than the comparable Indian elephant with shorter front legs and a thicker body. Throughout Thailand’s history, Asian elephants have played significant roles in many arenas of life, including manual laborers, war combatants, royal and religious symbols, the entertainment industry, and, more recently, tourism.

Thailand’s most sacred elephant is the white Asian elephant, which isn’t actually white or an albino. They are genetically somewhat different with skin that is a shadowy pinkish-gray. Technically, all white elephants belong to the king. However, they are required to pass a number of tests, conducted by the Royal Household, before becoming royal inhabitants. From 1855 to 1916, Thailand’s (Siam, at the time) national flag contained a white elephant on a red background.

Ancient kings rode into battle on the backs of elephants. The more elephants a king owned, especially white elephants, the more status and power he was assured. In 1861, King Rama discovered that the American president didn’t own any elephants, and offered to send several to aid in fighting the Civil War. President Lincoln tactfully declined King Rama’s generous offer.

This gorgeous elephant figurine is handmade, hand painted and adorned like royalty or, perhaps, a circus elephant. Along with its vibrant, happy face, the ears are perked up as if to say, “I would love to be part of your household!” Gold paint is used to define its many exquisite details. The figurine is shipped in a silk-lined box.