An Ashtray, an Elephant and Salvador Dali

In 1968, Air India commissioned Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali to design a limited edition of 500 ashtrays for a luxurious travelling experience for their passengers. Dali’s design featured an optical illusion where the reflection of an elephant appeared to be a swan, and that of the swan appeared to be an elephant. Remarkably, Dali requested nothing less than a live elephant as payment.

Air India’s deputy commercial director, Uttara Parikh, acquired an elephant named Big Baby from the Bangalore zoo and flew it to Spain. The elephant was transported to Dali’s residence in Cadaqués, where its arrival sparked a three-day celebration, replete with a special parade and a drink prepared with wine, Indian tea and pink champagne (Dali’s favourite). An Indian astrologer was flown from Mumbai to take part in the festivities.

Although Dali had grand plans for the elephant, including riding it across the Alps, these ideas never materialised. Instead, Big Baby eventually found a new home at the Barcelona Zoo.