A fine pair of Chinese ivory figures, late Qing Dynasty (late…
click the photo to enlarge
A fine pair of Chinese ivory figures, late Qing Dynasty (late 19th /early 20th century), utilising the natural curve of the tusk and depicting traditionally attired male and female figures, the female holding a ruyi, and the male, a sword with characters, and both finely relief carved and engraved, also with decorative staining; on timber stands. Height 34 cm. (on stand)

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.

Subscribe Now to view actual auction price for this item

When you subscribe, you have the option of setting the currency in which to display prices to $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

This item has been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.
  • Ivory - Ivory is a hard white material that comes from the tusks of elephants, mammoth, walrus and boar, or from the teeth of hippopotamus and whales. The ivory from the African elephant is the most prized source of ivory. Although the mammoth is extinct, tusks are still being unearthed in Russia and offered for sale.

    Ivory has been used since the earliest times as a material for sculpture of small items, both in Europe and the east, principally China and Japan.

    In Asia ivory has been carved for netsuke, seals, okimono, card cases, fan supports, animals and other figures and even as carved tusks.

    In the last 200 years in Europe ivory has been used to carve figures, for elaborate tankards, snuff boxes, cane handles, embroidery and sewing accessories, in jewellery and as inlay on furniture. Its more practical uses include being used for billiard balls, buttons, and a veneers on the top of piano keys.

    The use and trade of elephant ivory have become controversial because they have contributed to Due to the decline in elephant populations because of the trade in ivory, the Asian elephant was placed on Appendix One of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), in 1975, and in January 1990, the African elephant was similarly listed. Under Appendix One, international trade in Asian or African elephant ivory between member countries is forbidden. Unlike trade in elephant tusks, trade in mammoth tusks is legal.

    Since the invention of plastics, there have been many attempts to create an artificial ivory
  • Ming Dynasty - The Ming Dynasty was a ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644. It succeeded the Yuan Dynasty and preceded the Qing Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty was established by Zhu Yuanzhang, a former Buddhist monk who became a rebel leader and eventually overthrew the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. During the Ming Dynasty, China experienced a period of relative stability and prosperity. The government was centralized and bureaucratic, with the emperor at the top of the hierarchy. The Ming Dynasty is known for its cultural achievements, including the development of porcelain, the invention of movable type printing, and the construction of the Great Wall of China.

  • Qing Dynasty - The Qing Dynasty was the last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912. It was established by the Manchu people, who originated from the northeastern region of China. The Qing Dynasty was preceded by the Ming Dynasty and followed by the Republic of China.

This item has been included into following indexes:

Visually similar items

Chinese elephant ivory Emperor and Empress figures early to mid 20th century. Height of tallest 19.5 cm (with stand). Chip to back head of empress

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

An ivory figure of Shou Lau Qing Dynasty, 19th century standing holding a branch of fruiting peach and a scroll in his left hand, the right clasping his long staff, wearing a long wide-sleeved robe with a sprig of finger citron at his waist, his face with

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

Pair antique Japanese ivory carved figures, approximately 26 cm tall, each. Signed to base

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

Large Chinese carved ivory figure of a lady possibly holding a large well carved chrysanthemum flower and a fan, with flowing robes and detailed bird perched in her hair. Standing on a carved rosewood base with small 'fence' and ivory features surrounding

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.