Designer: Miguel Durán-Loriga (1928 – 1997) and Jesús Martitegui (dates unknown)

Item: Large Elephant

Manufactured by:  Cerámica Artística Alfaraz (Alfaraz Artisan Ceramics)

Country of origin: Spain

Year made: Circa 1960

Materials: Ceramic with glaze

Dimensions:  6 ½” x 11 ¼” x 7 ½”

Condition: Excellent with no defects

Description: Here is another terrific Alfaraz work in a large size with a great modernist design in both shape and the glaze decoration.  Many of the animals, especially the medium to larger sized ones we see, have re-glued broken limbs, significant losses, chips and other noticeable and detracting defects.  This example is flawless.  We have only seen a handful of Elephants by Alfaraz, and the ones we have seen usually had broken and re-glued loop handles, loss to trunks, or other serious flaws. We have only seen one other of this exact model in this size.

Miguel Durán-Lorigak was a trained architect and designer who opened Alfaraz Pottery in 1952.  The firm is well known for its animal sculptures, lamps and tile works.   Most of the animals and figures are of a much smaller size.  This elephant is signed with both the impressed mark in the clay, and an affixed label as shown.  Although Jesús Martitegui’s name appears on hang tags we have seen as a co-artist, very little information about him can be found.  A terrific modernist design that would enhance any modern home.