Hand-Carved Solid Wood Elephant Figurine on Scalloped Base
Unbranded / Artisanal · Art & Decor > Sculptures & Figurines
Era / Decade
1970s-1990s based on the wood grain, sticker residue style, and popular import trends for hand-carved Southeast Asian decor.
Material
Solid wood, likely Monkey Pod or Samanea Saman due to the distinct light/dark graining and Medium brown stain. Quality is mid-tier artisanal.
Condition
Good. There is visible scuffing and white paint transfer on the top of the head and ear ridge. The tusks are missing, which is a common defect in these vintage pieces. The wood shows general shelf wear but no structural cracking.
Demand Level
Moderate. Boho and natural wood decor are steady sellers, though the missing tusks lower the appeal for high-end collectors.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$25.00 - $45.00
Estimated Retail Value
$65.00 - $85.00 (original import value adjust for inflation)
Comparable Sales
Similar large wood elephant carvings sell consistently between $30 and $55 on eBay and Etsy. Complete sets with tusks fetch the high end ($60+), while damaged/missing tusk pieces settle around $25-$35.
Description
Large vintage hand-carved solid wood elephant sculpture. This piece features a striding elephant with a trunk-down pose, standing on a decorative scalloped wood base. The piece exhibits beautiful natural wood grain with a rich medium-oak finish. Hand-chiseled textures are visible on the head, ears, and trunk, giving it a unique character. Dimensions appear to be approximately 8-10 inches in height.
Key Features
Solid wood construction (no resin or filler), large scale for shelf styling, Boho/Mid-Century Modern appeal, distinctive hand-carved textures.
Authenticity Indicators
Hand-carved chisel marks suggest artisanal production rather than mass-mold production. The foil/paper sticker residue on the base is typical of import goods from Thailand or Philippines. High confidence in being a genuine wood carving.
Flaws to Note
Missing tusks (empty holes visible near trunk), white paint scuffs on the forehead and ears, minor finish loss on the base edges. Paint marks may be removable with careful cleaning.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Etsy (if marketed as vintage), eBay (broadest reach), or Facebook Marketplace (to avoid high shipping costs on heavy wood pieces).
Selling Tips
Use keywords like 'Boho decor', 'Monkey Pod', 'Hand Carved', and 'Mid Century Modern'. Clean the paint scuffs with a damp cloth or very fine steel wool and wood oil. Photograph against a plain white background to make the wood grain pop. Mention the missing tusks clearly or suggest they add to the 'wabi-sabi' vintage charm.