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Japanese Old Copper Elephant Figurine 1940s-1960s / Sculpture Wabi Sabi
$600
£457.67
€521.43
CA$843.31
A$920.02
CHF 487.15
MX$11,024.51
NOK 6,204.09
SEK 5,673.18
DKK 3,893.42
About the Item
This is an old Japanese copper elephant figurine.
It was crafted in the mid-Showa period (1940s–1960s), a time when Japan’s metal-casting techniques had reached an exceptional level of maturity.
In Japanese culture, the elephant has long been regarded as a symbol of prosperity, longevity, and wisdom. Its calm yet powerful presence is believed to bring peace of mind while embodying the quiet strength and grounded energy of life itself.
Made of copper, this piece exhibits remarkable detail—from the lifelike wrinkles of the skin to the subtle contours of the muscles. The posture, caught at the moment just before movement, conveys a natural sense of vitality and grace. Every element, from the gentle expression to the fine creases around the legs, reveals the keen observation and exceptional craftsmanship of Japanese artisans.
Over the decades, the surface has developed a beautiful patina of verdigris and deep brown tones, giving the sculpture an air of quiet dignity. Depending on the light, the color shifts subtly—from dark bronze to a cool bluish sheen—allowing one to appreciate the evolving beauty of aged metal.
This piece can serve not only as an interior accent but also as a symbolic object representing prayer, peace, and harmony. Placed on a desk or sideboard, it brings a tranquil sense of presence—modest yet undeniably profound.
An embodiment of wabi-sabi, this elephant captures the serene beauty of impermanence and time-honored craftsmanship. It is a work that quietly reflects the depth of Japanese aesthetic sensibility.
Weight: 1.8 kg
__________________________
Our Philosophy
Objects always tell the truth.
All I can do is just to face with them sincerely and give
them deep affection as much as I can.
There is no boundary of nationalities and of eras in beauty.
But I think now is the time we choose 'Japanese style' and it
will be the best way to remind us of what we are losing
today and to question us about an essence of beauty again.
I hope that you can touch the memories which the objects here have,
feel and think of something invisible but exists undoubtedly.
- Dimensions:Height: 5.91 in (15 cm)Width: 9.45 in (24 cm)Depth: 3.55 in (9 cm)
- Style:Showa (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:Copper,Metalwork
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1940s-1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Chōsei District Nagara, JP
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU10403247113422
About the Seller
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Established in 2017
1stDibs seller since 2025
65 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 2 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Chōsei District Nagara, Japan
- Return Policy
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