I know you were in Thailand when you saw the artisans carving elephants and I’m assuming that mine was carved in Thailand as well. I do notice one difference between the one that I just purchased and the ones I see in the photo above and that is: the ones above appear to be standing on “carved wooden bases”. Is that right? The one I’ve purchased (adopted) has all four feet free of a base which gives the figure a very realistic and animated feeling because the feet are carved in a way that makes the elephant ‘baby’ look like he’s about to walk off. The work is sensational. And one reason I bought it, beyond the aesthetics of the piece, is that I feel that this extraordinary carving will be come a lost art, because of the skill necessary and the resources necessary (large teak wood) to accomplish such a dramatic piece of art will not be available in our coming lifetime. Can you tell me in what part of Thailand that you saw these elephants? I’ve been trying to do a bit of research and your was the only blog/website that mentioned this very creative work. Thx Terry!

I just purchased one of the carved elephants shown in your photo above. It may very well have been carved at the furniture store that you toured as it looks identical to the ones that you saw. I purchased it from an Asian antique store locally. I fell in love with it the moment I set eyes on it!!

Thanks for your photo and information. Donna