Vintage Elephant Garden Stools, a Pair

Details

Description

These are a pair of ceramic elephant garden stools or plant stands, richly decorated in a traditional Asian export style, … Read more These are a pair of ceramic elephant garden stools or plant stands, richly decorated in a traditional Asian export style, mid-20th century, and made for decorative indoor or outdoor use.

Description:
• Form:
• Each piece is a seated elephant with a flat, square platform on its back, designed for use as a small side table, pedestal, or stool.
• The elephants are mirror images, making them ideal as a flanking pair.
• Color & Decoration:
• Glazed in rich tones of glossy brown, pale blue, mustard yellow, and soft pink.
• The elephants are adorned with detailed saddle blankets, tassels, and headdresses, each with raised relief detailing.
• The platform tops feature a raised medallion with stylized Chinese characters — the central symbol likely represents “longevity” or “double happiness,” traditional auspicious motifs.
• The side panels also display characters, possibly reinforcing symbolic meaning like wealth, fortune, or celebration.
• Material:
• Glazed ceramic or porcelain, with a glossy finish and robust build.
• Heavily weighted, suitable for both indoor and covered patio use.

Style & Likely Origin:
• These pieces reflect the Hollywood Regency and Chinoiserie revival styles popular in Western decor from the 1950s–1970s.
• made in China or Taiwan for export. These were often brought back by soldiers as gifts from Vietnam

Use Ideas:
• Plant stands, side tables, or decorative pedestals.
These were often brought back by soldiers to give as gifts in the US See less