Antique Brass Statuette | Kohl & Kumkum | Elephant & Kurma

This exceptional vintage brass statuette is an unusual combination of sculpture and personal grooming object. It depicts an elegantly seated woman placed upon an elephant, which in turn rests on a Kurma, or tortoise. The compact object is distinguished by its intricate construction, sculptural detailing and natural patina developed over decades. Very few living examples of objects of this unusual form are known to survive, making it a particularly interesting piece of Indian material culture.

The original function of the statuette is not immediately obvious and has been interpreted through its construction and surviving features. The lady seated at the top holds a small cup in her hand. At first glance, this could be mistaken for a miniature lamp, but its exceptionally small size makes that interpretation unlikely. It may instead have been intended to hold kumkum or kajal, two traditional cosmetic substances used in personal adornment and ritual practice.

Further clues come from the elephant and Kurma. Both are hollow and contain openings at the front. Their construction suggests that these were not simply hollowed for the sake of casting, but were likely designed to hold something. The openings appear to have accommodated small holders or applicators, which would have allowed the contents to be accessed and applied. Although these original applicators are now missing, the surviving construction provides the basis for interpreting the object as a multi-purpose cosmetic container.

The combination of the small cup held by the female figure, the hollow elephant and Kurma, and the openings designed for what appear to have been applicators points towards the object's likely association with kohl/kajal and kumkum. This interpretation is necessarily informed rather than definitive, as the original accessories are no longer present, but the physical evidence of the object makes the cosmetic function particularly compelling.

The use of hollow casting adds another layer of interest. The elephant and Kurma have been constructed as hollow forms while retaining their sculptural presence, allowing them to potentially function as containers within the larger composition. The unusual combination of functional compartments and figurative elements reflects the ingenuity of traditional Indian object-making, where everyday personal-use objects could also be highly ornamental.

The brass has acquired a beautiful natural patina, with age-related surface variations that enhance its character. With its unusual elephant-and-Kurma composition, possible cosmetic function and extremely limited number of surviving examples, this is a fascinating collectible for those interested in Indian antiques, traditional personal grooming objects and the intersection of utility and decorative art.

Details

• Object: Vintage Brass Cosmetic Statuette / Container
• Form: Seated Female Figure on Elephant over Kurma (Tortoise)
• Material: Brass
• Technique: Hollow casting
• Likely Function: Cosmetic container for kajal/kohl and kumkum
• Features: Small cup held by female figure; hollow elephant and Kurma; front openings possibly designed for holders or applicators
• Original Applicators: Missing
• Interpretation: Likely personal grooming/cosmetic object based on surviving construction and functional features
• Period: Likely 19th century
• Tradition: Indian decorative arts and traditional personal grooming objects
• Dimensions: H 5 × L 3 × W 2.5 in
• Condition: Vintage with natural brass patina, age-related wear and missing original applicators
• Authenticity: Comes with an authenticity certificate from The Blue Trunk.