491 - INK POT IN ELEPHANT SHAPE BRONZE INDIA 18TH CENTURY

INK POT IN ELEPHANT SHAPE BRONZE INDIA 18TH CENTURY Dimensions: Height 10 cm Wide 7 cm Depth 13 cm Weight: 746 grams A cast-bronze ink pot ingeniously formed as a caparisoned elephant standing on an integral rectangular plinth. The hollow body serves as the ink reservoir and is closed by a removable lid secured with a small chain. Incised decoration describes the saddlecloth, harness and bells, while the upward-curving trunk gives the compact animal a lively silhouette. Animal-shaped writing vessels transformed practical desk equipment into small works of sculpture. The elephant was a particularly resonant choice in India, carrying associations of royal authority, strength, wisdom and prosperity. Such an object would therefore have combined everyday usefulness with an auspicious and courtly visual language. Areas of wear and patination are consistent with age and use, especially around the projecting details and lid.