Bronze India 19th Century: Temple Toy, Temple Mounted In A Chariot Pulled By Two Elephants

Important bronze temple toy from the late 19th century representing a temple with two floors mounted on a cart, the whole pulled by two elephants joined by a yoke. Origin: North India (Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana). Total weight 32kg. Missing the bronze coupling piece linking the two.

The two elephants are represented here with their trunks raised, dressed in ceremonial costumes. On each of them, at the back of the head, a ring is welded and constitutes the passage of the yoke. This one still moves perfectly laterally and rotating. In the center, a ring allowing the attachment of the missing piece to link this coupling.
The two elephants do not separate: their legs are mounted on rings, two metal rods serving as an axle for the wheels pass through them. The wheels are decorated with geometric shapes. Still rolls rather well and rather straight.
We can notice here that the elephants' tusks are represented cut. Beautiful bronze patina: 11.5kg here.
On a square base stands a temple with two floors topped by two domes. Eight doors line each side of the building.
At the front, an immaculate seated under a canopy surrounded by two geese or swans serving as uprights. Very numerous decorative ornaments in bas-relief including friezes of dotted triangles. The wheels with petal decorations.
Two small hooks at the front, which must have been used with the missing bronze piece for the elephant harness.
Same assembly as the two elephants for the wheels, also still rolls rather well and rather straight. A little less wide than the elephants, the wheels meet in a staggered pattern.
A beautiful bronze patina, the two domes bear witness to this. 20.5kg for this part. Slight dent at the right rear (see photo), otherwise in very good condition.

Width: 30cm
Depth: 28cm
Height: 64cm

Elephants:

Width: 33cm
Depth: 20cm
Height: 26cm