A late 19th century Elephant whose body opens to make a spice jar

A late 19th century reproduction of one Renaissance art object
Gilded galvanic copper, lead, tortoiseshell, ivory. Here is a caparisoned elephant whose body opens to make a spice jar, salt shaker, box. It was the molding of an art object of which the European princes were fond. These objects mixed ancient, Islamic elements, parts of exotic animals almost unknown in Europe at the time of the first explorations, and this with goldsmith or bronze work made in Europe. François Premier liked these "curiosities", one will think of Cellini's salt cellar made for him.

The Princes of Europe such as the Medici, the Elector Christian Premier, to name just two among many others, created incredible collections of luxury, technical virtuosity, rare and difficult materials to work with.
The original elephant to ours belonged or still belongs to one of these collections.
Galvanic copper originated with the use of electricity and was developed around 1850. It allowed moldings of almost microscopic precision since the copper is deposited atom by atom in a way, and it was possible to reproduce very delicate patterns, such as the details of the elephant's caparison here.

Lined with lead or tin, the material was then gilded, silvered or even painted.
This little-known technique was also used for prestigious projects, for example the monumental statues of the Opera (7 meters) made by Christofle et Cie.
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Resources: Trésors des Princes d'Europe.

State :
Excellent condition.
The low percentage of ivory in this object and its age making it pre-convention, exclude it from the need to be justified by a CITES.

Dimensions:
Height: 25 cm, length: 28 cm, width: 15 cm.