Pair of bookends, elephant motif, black rosewood, Sri Lanka, 1950s.
2 900 PLN
unique
ABOUT PRODUCTID 23428
This pair of mid-20th-century bookends, likely crafted in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) during the 1950s or 1960s, combines the solidity of fine rosewood with contrasting bone or faux bone inlays. Each bookend features a hand-carved elephant rendered in a soft, naturalistic style, with ivory-coloured tusks, toes, and eyes standing out against the deep, almost ebony-black wood. The surface is smooth and polished with a subtle satin sheen, emphasizing the sculptural quality of the elephants. The bases and vertical supports share the same dark tone, executed in simple, geometric forms free of unnecessary ornamentation. Construction is robust, with no visible joints or fasteners. Dimensions: height 12 cm, length 14 cm, width 6 cm. The overall condition is very good, with no noticeable damage or repairs.These bookends echo the voice of South Asian craftsmanship from the 1950s: elegant simplicity meets the symbolism of the elephant—a creature embodying luck and prosperity. Smooth, rounded forms and the contrast between bone and dark wood create a sense of calm rhythm, as if the spirit of a tropical island is captured within a small object. The subtle sheen and minimalist details evoke the ambience of colonial or collector’s interiors, where both functionality and the history embedded in the material are valued.The bookends can be displayed on a living room or library shelf, paired with leather-bound or embossed books to highlight their oriental heritage. They would suit eclectic arrangements where classic and exotic elements converge, and could be combined with dark wood, glass, or plain ceramics to enhance their sculptural aspect. Interiors with a mid-century modern, colonial, or travel-inspired spirit would benefit from their presence, harmoniously blending function and decoration.
DIMENSION
Height12 cm
Width14 cm
Dimension details
Width14 cm
Height12 cm
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