Glazed Italian Terracotta Elephant Garden Seat & Cocktail Table

A wonderfully decorative Italian glazed terracotta garden seat or occasional table, modeled in the form of a richly caparisoned elephant. Sculptural and highly detailed, the piece combines an ivory-toned body with beautifully aged glazes in ochre yellow, moss green and earthy brown.

The elephant is depicted standing upon a molded rectangular plinth, its back draped with an elaborate saddle cloth decorated with scrolling borders and tasseled detailing. Above sits a broad circular platform, allowing the piece to function beautifully as a cocktail table, drinks stand, plant pedestal or garden seat. The combination of sculptural modeling and variegated glaze gives the surface considerable depth and character.

Particularly charming is the elephant’s downward-facing trunk. While elephants are widely associated with strength, wisdom, longevity and good fortune, interpretations of trunk position vary by culture and tradition. A lowered trunk is commonly associated in decorative symbolism with grounded strength, stability and the conservation of energy, rather than the more exuberant good-luck symbolism often attributed to a raised trunk. It gives this example a wonderfully calm, stately presence.

A striking accent piece with the layered, worldly quality associated with traditional Italian garden ceramics, it would be equally at home beside a lounge chair, anchoring a conservatory or sunroom, or used indoors as an unexpected cocktail table.

Origin: Italy
Material: Glazed terracotta
Dimensions: 18” H × 16” W × 10.5” D
Condition: Presented with surface variation, glaze irregularities and areas of patina consistent with the character of glazed terracotta.