Scrimshaw is a type of folk art that involves the carving or engraving of designs on ivory or bone. It has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the early days of whaling in the 18th century.
The term "scrimshaw" originally referred to the practice of carving designs on whalebone or ivory items, such as the handles of knives or tools, by sailors and whalers during their long voyages at sea. The practice was widespread among sailors of many different nationalities, including Americans, British, Dutch, and Portuguese.
At first, scrimshaw was a practical art form, as sailors used it
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to create useful items for themselves or to trade with locals in foreign ports. However, over time, scrimshaw evolved into a highly skilled and artistic form of expression, with sailors creating intricate designs and scenes on everything from ivory tusks to whale teeth.
Scrimshaw artists used a variety of tools to create their designs, including knives, needles, and even sail needles. The designs often depicted maritime scenes, such as ships, whales, or sea creatures, as well as landscapes, portraits, and other decorative motifs.
In addition to being a popular pastime among sailors, scrimshaw also became a way for sailors to pass the time during long voyages and to create mementos of their travels. Many scrimshaw pieces were made as gifts for loved ones back home or as tokens of appreciation for other sailors.
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Ivory is a hard, white material obtained from the tusks of elephants, walruses, narwhals, and other animals. It has been prized for centuries for its beauty, durability, and rarity, and has been used extensively in decorative arts in Western and Oriental cultures from the 18th to the 20th centuries.
In Western cultures during the 18th to 20th centuries, ivory continued to be a popular material for creating decorative objects. A few examples of ivory objects from Western cultures during this time period include:
• toiletry necessaire: A set of toiletry items made of ivory, late 19th century.
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;ivory chess set: A set of intricately carved ivory chess pieces, created in the 18th century.
• ivory cane: A walking cane with an ivory handle, often carved with intricate designs or figurines.
In Oriental cultures, ivory continued to be used for decorative arts during the 18th to 20th centuries. Just a few examples of ivory objects from Oriental cultures during this time period include:
• Japanese okimono: A small ivory figurine depicting scenes from everyday life in Japan.
• Chinese ivory puzzle ball: A series of carved, nested spheres made of ivory, often featuring intricate carvings and designs.
• Cantonese ivory chess set: A set of intricately carved ivory chess pieces made in the 19th century in Canton, China.
It is important to note that the use of ivory in decorative arts has been controversial due to the impact on elephant populations. Many countries have implemented restrictions on the trade of ivory in order to protect endangered elephant populations. For example, in the United States, it is illegal to import, export, buy, or sell elephant ivory with limited exceptions for antiques and certain musical instruments. The European Union has also banned the trade in ivory within its member states, with exceptions for some antique items. The restrictions on the trade of ivory aim to protect endangered elephant populations and prevent illegal poaching and trafficking of ivory.
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