Elephant-Shaped Kendi

Unknown

second quarter 17th century · Stonepaste; painted in shades of blue under transparent glaze · Islamic Art

This object in the shape of a seated elephant with cobalt blue and white designs is clearly modeled on a kendi, a type of Chinese drinking vessel. Unlike the Chinese originals, this Safavid example is made of stonepaste rather than porcelain and the elephant’s features are not as naturalistic.

Artist

Unknown

Date

second quarter 17th century

Medium

Stonepaste; painted in shades of blue under transparent glaze

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

The Friends of the Department of Islamic Art Fund, 1968