This is a somewhat heavy soapstone sculptured jar with elephants around the lid and the bowl. It is a really fine piece of workmanship. The sculptured elephants are etched very nicely and somewhat delicately. I really like my jar. Thank you.
These elephants and their tapestries are beautifully painted!
I recall my friend from India gave me an elephant decor when I moved away. I certainly can imagine these ornaments as symbolic of carrying one of the "wise men" that Christians celebrate at Epiphany (January 6).