Ivory: Carved and Decorative Objects in Elephant, Walrus, and Whale Tooth
Ivory encompasses objects carved from the dentine of elephant tusks, walrus tusks, narwhal horns, hippopotamus teeth, whale teeth, and other animal sources. For thousands of years, ivory was one of the most prized materials for carving, valued for its creamy color, fine grain, smooth texture, and ability to take extraordinary detail. Antique ivory objects range from medieval religious diptychs to Japanese netsuke, Cantonese puzzle balls, and European portrait miniatures. Today, ivory collecting is governed by strict international regulations under CITES, making legal compliance essential for any transaction.
Identification of Ivory Types
Different ivory sources have distinct characteristics:
- Elephant ivory: Fine parallel grain lines (Schreger lines) visible in cross-section at angles greater than 115 degrees; creamy white aging to yellow
- Mammoth ivory: Similar Schreger lines but at angles less than 90 degrees; often shows blue-brown mineral staining from burial
- Walrus ivory: Dense, with a distinctive marbled or oatmeal-textured core; smaller in scale than elephant ivory
- Whale tooth (scrimshaw): Conical shape with a hollow pulp cavity; associated with sailor-carved decoration
- Bone: Porous surface with visible nutrient canals under magnification; often confused with ivory but distinctly different
- Celluloid/Ivorine: Plastic imitations lack grain structure and feel warmer to the touch
Major Categories of Ivory Collectibles
- European religious carvings: Medieval and Renaissance crucifixes, diptychs, and devotional figures
- Japanese netsuke and okimono: Miniature toggle carvings and display figures from the Edo and Meiji periods
- Chinese carved ivory: Canton card cases, puzzle balls, figure groups, and wrist rests
- Scrimshaw: Engraved whale teeth and bone by American and British sailors, 1820s-1870s
- Portrait miniatures: Watercolor portraits painted on thin ivory wafers, 18th-19th century
- Decorative arts: Ivory-handled cutlery, fans, chessmen, billiard balls, and piano keys
Auction Price Ranges
| Category | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Medieval European religious carvings | $10,000 - $500,000+ |
| Fine Japanese netsuke (signed, 18th century) | $2,000 - $50,000 |
| Chinese Canton puzzle balls | $200 - $3,000 |
| Antique scrimshaw whale teeth | $500 - $15,000 |
| Portrait miniatures on ivory | $200 - $5,000 |
| Mammoth ivory carvings | $100 - $5,000 |
| Ivory-handled cutlery and small items | $20 - $200 |
| Art Deco chryselephantine figures | $2,000 - $80,000+ |
Legal Considerations and Condition
The sale of elephant ivory is banned or heavily restricted in most countries under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). In the United States, federal law generally prohibits interstate commerce in African elephant ivory, with narrow exemptions for documented antiques (pre-1989, with some states requiring pre-1900). Mammoth ivory, being from an extinct species, is generally legal to trade but must be properly documented and distinguished from elephant ivory. Always consult current federal and state regulations before buying or selling.
Ivory is sensitive to humidity and temperature changes. Cracking, warping, and yellowing are natural aging characteristics. Severe drying produces deep longitudinal cracks that can be structurally compromising. Surface patina from age and handling is desirable and should not be removed. Repairs and restorations should be noted, as they affect value.
Collecting Tips
Given the complex legal landscape, serious ivory collectors should maintain thorough documentation of provenance, age verification, and any applicable permits. Mammoth ivory offers a legally uncomplicated alternative for those interested in ivory carving. Japanese netsuke represent perhaps the most refined tradition of ivory miniature carving and have a well-established scholarly and auction infrastructure. Scrimshaw appeals to both ivory collectors and maritime history enthusiasts. Always obtain a written statement of material identification and age from qualified specialists when purchasing significant pieces. The market for legally traded antique ivory remains strong at major auction houses that have established compliance departments for handling these sales.