-Elephant- still bank late 19th-early 20th century

Editor: Right now, we’re looking at “-Elephant- still bank”, a sculpture made of wood by the Ives Blakeslee Company, probably from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. It’s quite small. At first glance, it looks so simple, almost like a child's toy. I find myself wondering, what stories could it tell? What's your interpretation? Curator: Oh, absolutely! It whispers of penny-pinching and forgotten dreams. This seemingly simple form is fascinating, wouldn't you agree? See how the geometric shapes – the blocky legs, the rounded body – give the elephant a solid, almost immovable presence? Do you think it evokes any other emotions? Editor: Security maybe? It does seem grounded and sturdy. And the dark color and polished surface feels a bit formal, in contrast to the simple shape. Curator: Exactly. It’s trying to look polished, just as it would have been new in its day! For me, that tension brings a sweet nostalgia. It’s a peek into a bygone era of childhood – and maybe a comment on the enduring power of animal figurines. What lessons or sentiments could children be taking away? Editor: That is beautiful, to think of how different children are today. How charming that such a seemingly simple object carries such layers of history and human touch. Thank you so much for that insightful glimpse. Curator: And thank *you* for nudging me to consider childhood memories, to envision pennies dropping into a wooden elephant – such a playful and enduring way to learn about value, both monetary and sentimental!