Asuperb work of startling realism reveals its European sculptural influence. This elephant is an example of
outstanding craftsmanship in bronze since the Meiji period. It is eighteen inches in length and weight over 15 pounds.
Not only is the bulk and presence of the figure is entirely convincing; the sense of bone structure and lacquered
fleshy trunk, the weighty body gathered in steady equipoise, even more impressive is the leathery hide, which is
accomplished by smoothing out the form, pressing it with a tool to raise a multitude of tiny semi-spheres, then dragging
and paddling with a spatula over the bumpy surface to produce the irregular natural appearing texture. Upon this surface
the clay or wax was scored to show the folds as they move with the animal’s form and action. This detail is also seen in
the marvelous representation of the head and trunk, which is finished with a pair real tusks.