VTG Indian Meenakari Cloisonne Enamel Elephant with Howdah and Riders, Cloisonne 2024 Enamel Elephant with Riders, Indian Meenakari Cloisonne

In wonderful condition - a Meenakari Cloisonné enamel elephant with howdah and 2024 two riders.

Meenakari Cloisonné is a complex labor intensive process that's part of the history of Jaipur, India. It's thought to be a dying art form. I have seen similar enamel elephants labeled as "Chinese cloisonné" but I believe this piece was made in India.

The detail on this one is quite remarkable and sets it apart from others I have seen.

The elephant is mounted on a tiered enameled oval base. A rider/driver (mahout) sits astride the elephants neck with a goad or bull hook in his right hand. Behind him - seated in the howdah - is a rider probably of rank/importance. The howdah has an umbrella canopy decorated with faux pearl and bead fringe/tassels. It's topped with two flower shaped peaks that are capped with faux pearls. The elephant's ears are decorated with long beaded tassels. Its tusks are blunt on the ends rather than pointed. The ends are clean and polished and don't appear damaged. Many of the floral motifs on the elephant have cabochon centers.

This type of enamel work is often done over sterling silver in older pieces and brass in newer versions. I'm not able to determine what's under the enamel on this one.

The only damage I see to the enamel is found on the elephant's tail where (in Photo 10) you can see a little white line on the tail where it joins with the elephant's body. There are no missing tassels/fringe and everything else is pretty impeccable.

MEASUREMENTS:
6.5 inches high x 5" wide x 3.5" deep
WEIGHT - a little over one pound
This is a heavy piece and will be shipped with care and extra cushioning.