Early Large 19th C Ivory Madonna and Christ Child NR

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Early Large 19th C Ivory Madonna and Christ Child NR

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Sold Date: 09/03/2007
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Fraternal, Political, Organizations

We are pleased to offer for auction this wonderful early 19 th century carved Elephant Ivory figure of the Madonna with Christ child. This is a very large detailed figure. The Christ figure has a gentle smile. Both figures are crowned, in robes and bare foot.

Paleolithic Cro-Magnon man, during the late stages of the ice age, was the first to carve in ivory (mammoth tusks). Both the Greek and Roman civilizations used large quantities of ivory to make high value works of art, precious religious objects, and decorative boxes for costly objects. Ivory was often used to form the white of the eyes of statues.

The Syrian and North African elephant populations were reduced to extinction, probably due to the demand for ivory in the Classical world.

Tooth and tusk ivory can be carved into a vast variety of shapes and objects. A small example of modern carved ivory objects are small statuary, netsukes, jewelry, flatware handles, furniture inlays, and piano keys. Additionally, warthog tusks, and teeth from sperm whales, orcas and hippos can also be scrimshawed or superficially carved, thus retaining their morphologically recognizable shapes.

This piece measures 7.5" x 2.5" Dia . Weighs 16 oz on our postal scale.

Christ hand/arm missing and chip to Mary's crown. Mary may have had a staff at some point. Misc small flea bites and t- everything is visible in the pics and nothing is terrible. This is in good condition and typical devotional rub wear and grey "lines" that are typical for old Ivory. Also slight yellowing one would expect from such and old piece. This piece has only age appropriate patina.

We have left this in untouched condition. We don't try to over clean our goods as some collectors want untouched patina.

We will ship worldwide.

As with all of our auction this great piece is offered at no reserve. So bid early and enjoy. All winning bidders must pay within seven days or receive neg feedback and risk the piece being relisted.

Thanks for looking!