-Elephant with Tucked Trunk- still bank c. 1910 - 1932

Editor: This adorable “Elephant with Tucked Trunk” still bank, probably dating between 1910 and 1932, made by Arcade Manufacturing Company, strikes me with its simple beauty and almost abstract, sculptural form. What are your thoughts on the material presence and shape? Curator: The craftsmanship here highlights the material properties, wouldn't you agree? Observe how the metal has been molded, imbuing a sense of weight and permanence despite its modest scale. Note how the bronze coloring accentuates the simplified contours and the animal's overall form. It’s less about faithful representation, and more about exploring geometric volumes and textures. What purpose do you believe the artist intended the textures serve in the bank's overall structure? Editor: I hadn’t considered texture beyond visual appeal. Now that you mention it, the varying shades and textures play with light, drawing the eye along the curve of the back and down the legs, reinforcing the elephant's stance and making it appear more substantial. It’s quite clever. Curator: Indeed. Consider, too, the placement and treatment of its trunk. Tucked away, almost shyly, yet its shape—a tight spiral—creates visual tension with the solid bulk of the body. Do you find a particular appeal to such artistic decisions? Editor: Yes, I am beginning to understand a deep connection between surface and intention and material, the way an ordinary item such as a child’s coin bank transcends its usefulness. Thank you. Curator: You're welcome. The simplicity and subtle manipulation of material form combine to produce a remarkably engaging piece.