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Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass => Unresolved Glass Queries => Topic started by: sectioned106 on March 27, 2009, 04:03:20 PM

Title: Any elephant experts?
Post by: sectioned106 on March 27, 2009, 04:03:20 PM

I initially thought this was by Wedgwood, (probably because of the topaz/amber like colour) but the `sat down’ position and facial features don’t seem to fit.  (The same goes for Langham glass).

The ears, trunk, mouth and tail have been hand worked/pulled using tools.   There are slight round impressions made for the eyes.  The trunk quite attractively goes from an amber looking colour at the base, (like the body) to a yellowish colour in the middle, to almost clear glass at the tip.   

Personally I think it has a feel of quality studio glass about it, rather than being a cheap murano or eastern import – but I could be wrong.

It is 4.25 inches tall.   Obviously there is no makers mark on the base!

Title: Re: Any elephant experts?
Post by: Lustrousstone on March 27, 2009, 07:28:58 PM
Can we see his bottom please, even if it has no marks
Title: Re: Any elephant experts?
Post by: TxSilver on March 27, 2009, 10:06:43 PM
I am not an elephant expert, but...

Your elephant is similar to many that are often referred to as Murano-style. Is your elephant yellow over red and cased in clear glass? It may be difficult to learn the maker without stumbling upon the same design that is attributed.

I wanted to say a word about oriental animals. Some of the animals that I have seen from the Orient in the past couple of years have been excellent in its detail. I have been impressed with the designs. The feet and legs are well done and not just little sharp sticks jutting out. I have been very tempted to buy many of the Thai pieces and have bought a couple of the Chinese horses. My only reservation about buying more of the pieces is that I am not sure about the glass chemistry. If the chemistry is good, I suspect the larger, detailed oriental animals will be good investments for the future (and enjoyable to own in the present!)
Title: Re: Any elephant experts?
Post by: aa on March 27, 2009, 10:12:19 PM
I initially thought this was by Wedgwood, (probably because of the topaz/amber like colour) but the `sat down’ position and facial features don’t seem to fit.  (The same goes for Langham glass).

The first tell-tale sign that it is not Wedgwood, Langham, Turnmill, E & M, Ray Annenberg or mine among others ;) is that the head and body have been made from the same gather. If it were one of those mentioned, the head would have been made from a separate applied bit.

The trunk quite attractively goes from an amber looking colour at the base, (like the body) to a yellowish colour in the middle, to almost clear glass at the tip.   

This is the second tell tale sign to eliminate the factories and studios mentioned above. The glass has come from a coloured pot so the density of the colour is deep where thick and becomes paler where pulled. It could be have been made with clear glass and powdered colour, but the colour looks too even for that.

Personally I think it has a feel of quality studio glass about it, rather than being a cheap murano or eastern import – but I could be wrong.

The above comments suggest it is unlikely to be UK made nor studio but nicely made. :)

Here are some I made earlier  http://www.adamaaronson.com/adam.php?showExhibition=237&navID=17&subID=  :rn:

Title: Re: Any elephant experts?
Post by: langhaugh on March 28, 2009, 02:51:17 AM
I've seen some similar Chinese elephants. They were heavy and quite well made., especially considering the price.

David




Title: Re: Any elephant experts?
Post by: TxSilver on March 28, 2009, 08:58:38 PM
Another possibility for this elephant is Pilgrim Glass. Pilgrim worked with these colors. I tried to locate this elephant design, but was unsuccessful. I found a Pilgrim elephant, but not this one. However, companies often made their animals in different poses. So I still think Pilgrim (or another WV factory) is a good possibility.