This is a highly elaborate artefact
traditionally known as Scrimshaw.
Scrimshaw is the name given to
scrollwork, engravings, and
carvings done in bone or ivory.
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 such as
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. On one side
of this remarkable object the artist
engraved a feminine figure lifting
her clothing and showing her
nudity. On the opposite side we
can observe a Victorian erotic
scene. This scrimshaw is a rare
example due to its opulent
polychromy. This piece can also be
considered an important
documentation of the fashion
habits of the time.
- (K.1)
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