Walking Elephant with Floral Caparison

This ivory elephant from the 17th century comes from the Deccan region of India. It wears a caparison, the ornamental covering placed on elephants for ceremonial occasions, decorated with floral patterns that reflect Mughal-Persian aesthetic influences. The walking pose gives the small carving (about 4 by 5.5 inches) a sense of movement and life. Elephants held deep cultural significance in Indian courts as symbols of royal power, military strength, and divine authority.

Deccan artisans were renowned for ivory carving during the 16th-18th centuries. The Deccan sultanates competed with the Mughal court in cultural refinement while maintaining their own regional identity. This piece blends Persian design sensibilities with Indian sculptural traditions. It's now at the Art Institute of Chicago, a gift from Marilynn B. Alsdorf.