Raised trunk bronze elephant statue
14” H x 15” L x 6” W
Purchased at an estate sale in Lake Forest, IL
Other
No
This is likely an antique, late 19th century, cast bronze figural of an elephant striding with raised trunk that was produced in Japan for export during the Meiji period. The Meiji Period was concurrent with the late Victorian era in the Western world. Generally, these are signed in the cast body. The vast majority of bronze figurals of elelphants were produced in Japan in the late 1800's. The value in bronze figures, sculptures and wares is also connected to its patina, or the surface color which evolves over time. Unlike sterling silver, bronze should not be polished, shined, washed or scrubbed. Scrubbing away patina does impact the value of the bronze object significantly. In original condition with untouched surface, these elephant figures sell for $200 - $600. The condition issue presented has diminished the value. The estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparables. Retail 'asking prices' can be higher and vary.
Hi Nora,
I can’t provide a clearer picture of the face as I have covered up the damage to the beautiful patina. Sickening to see the shiny bronze after the meticulous work of the artist. There is damage to the tusks, underside and tip of the trunk. I have looked upside and down for signature or an initial but can’t find one. I can say, having seen twenty Remington’s in a friends home, this is a nice piece. Please give me your best guess appraisal for the piece damaged and undamaged.
Thanks,
Jeff
Hello, Please provide more details on this damage that you mention as it is not showing in the provided images.
The tusks and much of the underside and end of the trunk were shined down to the bronze.
Hi Nora,
Here’s a bit more information. I bought the sculpture, brought it home and two hours later found my wife at the kitchen sink trying to “clean” it with scrubbing powder. I dearly love my wife though this did test its limits momentarily. I have been able to work my way through this by reminding myself that I purchased a numbered serigraph of Neiman’s “Studs Poker” for $450 and a carved, initialed Northwest Native American four foot high plaque for $125, a similar piece auctioned recently for as high as $3000 in the last two weeks. I share this for your amusement and to let you know I am prepared to handle the trust.
Thanks.
Jeff.
Thank you for the clarification. As humans, we do all make mistakes; the effort to clean this up was in earnest. In the big picture, this is merely an object and no major life damage was done. Please find it in your heart to forgive and to see the silver lining. You are very lucky to have a partner who wanted to help and who only had good intentions in mind.
Thank you and agreed.
Hi Again,
Is repairing the statue a possibility and, if so, where might I start looking for someone we could trust to do it?
Thanks,
Jeff
For aesthetic purposes, this could be re-patinated, however the value would not return essentially since it is no longer an original finish. In addition, re-patinating may be cost prohibitive and be more than the value of the piece alone. You could try contacting this bronze conservator for an estimate: http://www.patrickkipper.com/conservation.html
Thanks again.
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Please add clear, in-focus close-ups of the face of this. Also, is there a signature on this?