Scrimshaw is art engraved on ivory or bone and dates back to the 18th century. Whalers and other seamen had the means - plentiful whale teeth, walrus tusks and other bone - to make wonderful designs on this medium, often making their own engraving tools as well. Sometimes tints were added for a more colourful effect.
Mariners also needed a hobby to while away periods of inactivity - if they were becalmed, for example - and also to fashion gifts to take back home to wives and sweethearts. The subjects showed their routine at sea - ships, lighthouses, whales - as well as famous and fascinating people, e.g. Horatio Nelson or imaginative mermaids, or a pretty girl left behind ashore. A favourite item was a decorated bone corset busk, something the girl could carry near her heart.
 |
Pocket knife with marlin spike (modern) |
Unfortunately, these pieces, often intricate in design, remained anonymous and were not signed. They are nevertheless a commemoration of the men who made them and the hard life the mariners led. Nowadays there are many copies of antique scrimshaw work, usually not on ivory which is a restricted material.
 |
Antique scrimshaw pieces |
 |
Two examples of scrimshaw showing the Eddystone Lighthouse, one in a calm sea the other with stormy waves. |
No comments:
Post a Comment