Color scrimshaw on an impressive ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Heidi Robichaud. This was created by Robichaud in 1985 and is from the collection of a client who is no longer with us. He had his own oak stands made for most pieces in his collection with space for a brass nameplate to be engraved with a title and name of the scrimshander. Unfortunately, he never got around to that part. One does not have to be a dance enthusiast to appreciate the lines and beauty of the ballerina. This is done on one of those artifacts that we never come across anymore. It was used as an ice axe and also as a type of whetstone to shape thick fish bones that would be used as sewing needles, hence the grooves in the side. Amazing, indeed. This massive piece of ivory weighs over 3 pounds! We won’t see another like this again.
Black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by Charles Emerson. Looks like this patient craftsman is fashioning a sled runner out of walrus tusk ivory, unaware that hundreds and hundreds of years in the future, these tools and artifacts would be used to create scrimshaw. Really like the way Emerson has added just a touch of blue in the background. You almost do not notice it at first glance. From the collection of one of our long time clients who is no longer with us. Great opportunity to add an Emerson work to one’s collection as he is not longer doing scrimshaw.
Black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by Mary Simpson. As a youngster prepares to venture on his first solo, he receives final instructions. Very fine stipple work by scrimshander Simpson. This is from the collection of one of our long time clients who is no longer with us. Probably created in the early to mid 1980s. Not familiar with Simpson’s work.
Black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by David Smith. As night approaches, this guy is looking for a meal. No doubt he will find it and there will be fewer critters around the barn. Love the way Smith has created the background, giving the impression of impending darkness. The ivory was used as a tool by ancient Eskimos in the Northern Bering Sea area hundreds of years ago. Not much of this rare ivory found anymore. Nice piece from a long time collector who is no longer with us.
Color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by David Adams. Rarely seen King Leopard depicted by Adams. This cat is a hybrid of other leopards and was not considered in the leopard family until fairly recently. The stealthy cat is making its way down rocks to the edge of an unseen stream. Love the composition in this one. This is done on a museum quality ancient walrus tusk ivory net sinker. Both holes are completely intact, which is rare. Most are mounted on a horizontal base, so this created a challenge for the scrimshander. Adams nailed it. Nice lacewood stand completes the picture.
“King Leo Knife” Color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by Matt Stothart. What an impressive piece-the knife, stand and scrimshaw! Custom knife by well known knife maker Ed Friedly using his “Elmer Keith” style of knife. Just the knife itself is a work or art, but when you add the bocote wood stand by Cash and Stothart’s right on scrimshaw, then you have something special. We don’t get many of these, but when we do, they go fast.
Bears in Den Ivory Carving – Intricate carving on ancient walrus tusk ivory sled runner. A family of bears nestles safely inside their cozy den, waiting for the coming spring. This rare ivory was used as a sled runner by ancient Eskimos in the Northern Bering Sea area approximately 500-1500 years ago. Note the holes drilled into the left side of the tusk. We do not get many like this. A very rare piece and the work is excellent.
Bearded Dragon Ivory Carving on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact. Highly detailed carving of four bearded dragons done on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact. The strong color in the ivory is the result of minerals that have been absorbed into the ivory as it was buried for hundreds and hundreds of years. This rare piece of ivory was used as some type of tool or artifact by Ancient Eskimos along the northern Bering Sea area. It was probably used as part of a sled runner (the very tip). Outstanding.
Turtle Trove Carving Ivory Carving – Detailed carving on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact of newly hatched turtles making their way to the ocean. Nicely carved piece depicting the perilous scamper of newly hatched turtles as they make their way to the ocean. Things may not be better there, but that’s the way of nature. Very nice color in the ivory, the result of minerals in the area in which it was buried. Scoring marks on the ivory indicate that it was used as some type of artifact thousands of years ago.
Handmade one of a kind bolo created for Scrimshaw Gallery by Jim Jenkins. Masterful inlay work features colorful mammoth ivory and ancient walrus tusk ivory. Brown braided leather measures 22″ long including the handmade mammoth ivory tips. Sterling silver, of course. Larger center ivory is cross cut of ancient walrus tusk. Hand carved tips measure 2.0″ long. Perfect for both women and men.