Being The Elephant’s Child: putting ‘satiable curtiousity’ to work

In the High and Far-Off Times the Elephant, O Best Beloved, had no trunk...

…and so begins the tale of The Elephant’s Child. Written by Rudyard Kipling and published in 1902 as one of the Just So stories, The Elephant’s Child relates the slightly improbable manner in which the Elephant’s Child ended up with a long trunk.

I don’t want to ruin the story of the Elephant’s Child and his ‘satiable curtiousity’, but it’s well worth reading. Most importantly, the moral of the story is that curiousity can open someone up to new abilities, ideas and knowledge.

I’ve been the Elephant’s Child since I was very young, asking questions about everything and often driving people crazy. Over the years I’ve refined my research methods, but the desire to learn about anything that piques my interest has never been tamed.

So, on a recent visit to Off the Wall Retro at McHaffie’s Flea Market, I learned that this round glass vase, with its flared rim, slightly bulbous honeycomb design and delicate lemon glass tint, was still largely a mystery to Gordon and Sherry. Say no more. After snapping a couple of pics, visiting a few more vendors, I returned home, looked at those photos and unleashed my ‘satiable curtiousity’.

This Art Deco vase, which is actually called ‘Honeycomb’, is moulded glass and was designed by Pierre D’Avesn. Primarily a sculptor, he began his career working for Lalique but went on to work for several French glassmaking firms.

Meanwhile, back home, I currently have a vase which I thought would be a walk in the park to research. After all, I am familiar with Hughes’ popular Cornflower design, and have seen it in July Pink. However, this particular vase is proving elusive. I’ve yet to find a match for it.

On another note, Off The Wall Retro will be closing its doors July 31st 2022. You can visit them on Facebook, at https://heyvintage.ca/0291594/Off_the_Wall_Retro, and of course at McHaffie’s Flea Market, open every Sunday 8-4. They have gorgeous items and the prices are unbeatable.

Take care everyone and have a great day!