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HOME :
Decorative Arts :
Miscellaneous : Scrimshaw ivory
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Scrimshaw ivory - kg.13
Origin: New England
Circa: 1800
BC
to 1900
AD
Dimensions:
4.5" (11.4cm) high
x 2.5" (6.4cm) wide
Additional Information: F.
£6,000.00
Location: Great Britain
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| Description |
Scrimshaw is the name given to scrollwork,
engravings, and carvings done in bone or ivory.
The word Scrimshaw was probably derived from a
Dutch or English nautical slang expression
meaning “to waste time.” Typically it refers to the
handiwork created by whalers made from the
byproducts of harvesting marine mammals. It is
most commonly made out of the bones and teeth
of sperm whales, the baleen of other whales, and
the tusks of walruses. It takes the form of
elaborate engravings in the form of pictures and
lettering on the surface of the bone or tooth,
with the engraving highlighted using a pigment,
or, less often, small sculptures made from the
same material. However the latter really fall into
the categories of ivory carving, for all carved
teeth and tusks, or bone carving. The making of
scrimshaw began on whaling ships between 1745
to 1759 on the Pacific Ocean, and survived until
the ban on commercial whaling. The practice
survives as a hobby and as a trade for
commercial artisans.
This is a very refined ivory container, probably a
perfume-holder. The rectangular shape has been
rendered in a very clean and neat way. In the
front of the object we can observe a small
button, in perfect condition and function,
securing the opening and the closure of this
elegant little box.
On the reverse side of the cover, two feminine
figures have been depicted, surprised in a scene
of en plein air relaxation. The two feminine
figures are naked, lying down one next to the
other, the bodies have been carved in a very
sensuous and delicate way.
- (kg.13)
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