An Elephant of My Very Own?

Behold the Frivolous Cuteness of the Eames Plywood Elephant

I have my bird fixation, but my animal kingdom affinities are by no means limited to our fine feathered friends. Of course I love my pooch, and pandas (I was a wee lass during the height our national obsession with Ling-Ling and Sing-Sing at National Zoo and I fully embraced the mania) and also I’ve always been fond of elephants. I’ve been even more enamoured of them since I read Charles Siebert’s excellent NYT Magazine article An Elephant Crackup? back in October. (See Things I Didn’t Know About Elephants.) I also spent a Friday night bawling my eyes out while watching a documentary about African elephants not so long ago and have found myself in several long conversations about their extremely touching, heart-wrenching emotional qualities.

A totally impractical and entirely unnecessary object of my desire.

Here’s a chance, albeit pricey, for me to combine my elephant love with my passion for Mid-Century design. (Yes, it’s a stretch, shut up.) Eames Office is offering a Vitra-produced limited edition Molded Plywood Elephant in honor of what would have been Charles Eames 100th birthday:

To celebrate the 100th birthday of Charles Eames, Vitra is introducing a limited anniversary edition of the Eames Plywood Elephant, a legendary furniture sculpture that was designed in 1945 but never produced.

Charles and Ray Eames were fascinated by elephants. Many images of these gentle giants are found in Charles’ photographic documentations of Indian culture and the circus world. The Plywood Elephant was designed as a toy for children, but also as a striking sculptural object that makes a statement in any environment with its vigorous curves and delightful character.

Is it entirely ridiculous that I covet this elephant? Yes. Does that curb my enthusiasm? No. Is it within the realm of possibility that I might purchase one for myself? Most certainly not. However, for the very magnanimous among you, this baby’s at the top of my Christmas list. You might want to shop early though - there’s special pre-order price of $1907 - in November when it arrives it’ll cost you $2007. Plan ahead!

Photo credits: Eames Plywood Elephants. Anniversary Edition 2007. Design Charles and Ray Eames. Photographer: Marc Eggimann