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Subject:Re: need info on jeweled ivory elephant
Posted By: Gman Thu, Nov 27, 2014
Hi Lori,
This piece seems unusual, in that groups of this sort would usually be from India, done in the Indian style.
The carving is extraordinary, and it offers many clues to help sort out the origin, i.e., the style in which the elephant is depicted (feet, eyes, ears,) the manner in which the human subjects are depicted (hair, clothing, implements), and the style of the elephant's equipment and decoration.
It is difficult to see the "jewels", are they actual stones, glass, or painted-on? And, I am curious what the small round carved object on the ground below the elephant's head is. (it may contain clues to the carver)
I am also curious as to the diameter of the base of the carving.
An ivory carving like this is certainly not what I would classify as souvenir art, and if I were you, my main concern would be the asking price, because above all it is a grand piece of art, even if it were brand new (which it is not).
If it were within what I would be willing to spend for its artistic value as perhaps the finest elephant group I have seen,(carved from a single piece of ivory) I would buy it first and ask questions later.
Included is a properly oriented photo of the marks.
Nice piece!
Cheers
Gman
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