Brass Elephant Chariot Temple Toy From Andhra Pradesh - Late 19th Century Desks handcrafted in teak and finished

handcrafted in teak and finished in beautifully weathered green painted tones

is one of the most celebrated flambé glazes

and the two forms of truth

exceptional natural patina

The beautifully organised interior retains its original configuration

Brass Elephant Chariot Temple Toy From Andhra Pradesh - Late 19th Century Desks handcrafted in teak and finishedThis Indian bronze elephant towing a chariot dates to 1890 1910 and is from Andhra Pradesh. This style of wheeled toy is commonly known as a temple toy. They were given as gifts to temples as donations of devotion, usually to Shiva or Khandoba, a warrior avatar of Shiva. Children would often play with these donations resulting in the name, 'temple toy'. The elephant is mounted by a mahout, an elephant handler holding his ankus (a goad for elephants).