Elephant Candelabrum Vase (Vase à Tête d'Eléphant) c. 1757 - 1758

This porcelain vase, titled "Elephant Candelabrum Vase," is a masterful work by French sculptor Jean-Claude Duplessis, dating back to the mid-18th century. The vase’s ornate design features a unique combination of elegance and whimsy. It’s adorned with delicate floral motifs and a striking pink and white color scheme, with the topmost portion showcasing two intricately sculpted elephant heads used as handles, adding a touch of playful grandeur to the overall design. The vase’s elaborate design and intricate details showcase the Rococo style, emphasizing curvilinear forms and asymmetrical compositions. This piece, now a part of the The Art Institute of Chicago’s collection, is a prime example of the intricate craftsmanship and artistic flair that characterized the French Rococo period.