Trinket Box - Raja Elephant

A magnificent Loyfar pewter Sri Lankan tusker elephant trinket box, with trunk up, commonly thought to represent prosperity, good luck and success.
Raja was a male elephant gifted to Sri Dalada Maligawa, (the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic), a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. For about 50 years Raja was main casket bearer of the procession of Esala, an annual grand festival celebrated with elegant costumes and elephants adorned with lavish garments.
The proportions exquisitely capture the huge mass and power of this magnificent animal.
The skin is heavily wrinkled, in sharp contrast with the large curved smooth tusks.
The back of the elephant is a lid which is hinged just above the tail, opening to reveal the hollow cavity of the torso and head which forms a box. The lid snaps shut on two magnetic catches, one on either side of the body.
The interior of the box is coated with red translucent enamel. The exterior is a natural polished finish.
A sizeable and weighty object.
An admirable gift, with much symbolism, that will be cherished for many years to come.
Size (H x W x L cm): 15.5 x 7.5 x 20
Net Weight (g): 927