Elephant still bank c. 20th century

This anonymous Elephant still bank, made of earthenware, feels like a memory, doesn't it? The creamy white surface pops with these cobalt blue decorations, all loose and watery. The folksy painting style lends a kind of charm, but it's also kind of melancholic, like a faded photograph or a dream. The windmill scene is not quite in focus and looks like it’s disappearing into the mist. I'm drawn to the elephant's eye, a simple blue ring on the front of its head. It’s both an eye and just another mark, connecting the pachyderm to the windmill scene. It makes me think of Joan Miró’s playful, almost childlike, imagery. There’s a sense of freedom and experimentation in both artists' work. There's something so endearing about this little elephant. It’s a reminder that art doesn't always have to be serious or polished. Sometimes, the most meaningful works are the ones that embrace simplicity and imperfection.