Walking Elephant with Floral Caparison
by Unknown Artist, 1601
Artwork Details
Details
- Year
- 1601
- Medium
- Ivory
- Size
- 10.3 × 14 × 5.8 cm (4 × 5 1/2 × 2 1/4 in.)
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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.
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About Walking Elephant with Floral Caparison
The decorative covering placed on elephants for ceremonies. It includes embroidered cloths, jeweled ornaments, bells, and metalwork that signified the animal's (and owner's) royal status. The floral patterns on this piece show Mughal-Persian influence.
They symbolized royal power, military strength, and divine authority in both Hindu and Islamic traditions. Elephants were used in warfare, royal processions, and religious festivals. Owning them demonstrated a ruler's wealth and power.
The large plateau covering most of southern India. During the 17th century, it was home to several independent sultanates that blended Persian, Islamic, and Indian Hindu traditions, creating artistic styles that rivaled the Mughal court.
At the Art Institute of Chicago. A gift from Marilynn B. Alsdorf. About 4 by 5.5 inches.
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