Steuben Glass "Trumpeting Elephant

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Founded in 1903 in Corning, New York, by Frederick Carder and Thomas G. Hawkes, Steuben Glass Works originally built its … Read more Founded in 1903 in Corning, New York, by Frederick Carder and Thomas G. Hawkes, Steuben Glass Works originally built its reputation on colored and iridescent art glass. However, a defining shift occurred in 1933 when the company discovered its famous "10-M formula". This new chemical makeup produced an exceptionally clear, highly refractive lead crystal that allowed the entire spectrum of a light wave to pass through it. Transitioning away from everyday utilitarian items, Steuben focused on high-end sculptural pieces and diplomatic gifts, cementing its status as an icon of American luxury glassmaking.
The Trumpeting Elephant was designed by James Archibald Houston, a renowned Canadian artist who played a major role in developing the market for Inuit art before moving to New York. Houston joined Steuben Glass as an associate director of design in 1962. He introduced highly unique and whimsical animal sculptures to the company's catalog. Debuting in 1964, the elephant design perfectly captured the fluid, seamless animal forms that Steuben collectors came to cherish. See less