Indian Traditional Ambabadi Elephant Idol

The Ambabadi Hathi, Carved with Its Royal Howdah Intact

The Ambabadi Hathi was how a Maharaja travelled, an elephant carrying a tiered howdah with the king seated under a canopy. This piece recreates that whole arrangement in wood, elephant, throne, canopy and rider carved as one, rather than just the elephant on its own.

The body is shaped in a rounded, full profile, which gives the surface room for the linear carving that runs across it. The wood is seasoned before carving, and the grain is left visible through the pattern work.

What the carving covers

• The howdah: A raised throne assembly with the king seated beneath a pillared canopy
• The elephant: Rounded body etched with traditional patterns that follow the grain
• The detail work: Trunk, canopy pillars and the face of the rider, all shaped by hand

Technical profile

Where it fits

The ambabari elephant carries an obvious sense of occasion, which is why it ends up in heritage-themed living rooms, office receptions and libraries. For the same reason it is a common choice for corporate gifting and for weddings.