Scrimshaw is a type of folk art that involves the carving or engraving of designs on ivory or bone. It has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the early days of whaling in the 18th century.

The term "scrimshaw" originally referred to the practice of carving designs on whalebone or ivory items, such as the handles of knives or tools, by sailors and whalers during their long voyages at sea. The practice was widespread among sailors of many different nationalities, including Americans, British, Dutch, and Portuguese.

At first, scrimshaw was a practical art form, as sailors used it more...

Ivory is a hard, white material obtained from the tusks of elephants, walruses, narwhals, and other animals. It has been prized for centuries for its beauty, durability, and rarity, and has been used extensively in decorative arts in Western and Oriental cultures from the 18th to the 20th centuries.

In Western cultures during the 18th to 20th centuries, ivory continued to be a popular material for creating decorative objects. A few examples of ivory objects from Western cultures during this time period include:

•    toiletry necessaire: A set of toiletry items made of ivory, late 19th century.

•     more...

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A carved fossilised ivory scrimshaw plaque, by Paul Logan,…

Walrus Ivory Scrimshaw Plaque by Paul Logan

A carved fossilised ivory scrimshaw plaque, by Paul Logan, decorated with a walrus, on stand, 4 cm high, 7.5 cm wide. Provenance: The Collection of the late Bjarne Nielsen

Vintage tooth scrimshaw with clipper of small proportions,…

Small Vintage Tooth Scrimshaw with Clipper and Eagle Head

Vintage tooth scrimshaw with clipper of small proportions, together with a carved eagle head

Ivory scrimshaw panel, of oval form incised and inked with a…

Sailing Ship Scrimshaw Panel

Ivory scrimshaw panel, of oval form incised and inked with a sailing ship, height 8 cm

19th century whale tooth scrimshaw dated 1887, engraved on both…

1887 Whale Tooth Scrimshaw Engraved on Both Sides

19th century whale tooth scrimshaw dated 1887, engraved on both sides, 8.9 cm long

Whale tooth scrimshaw, Moby Dick, Made in England, approx 13.5…

English Scrimshaw Whale Tooth from Moby Dick

Whale tooth scrimshaw, Moby Dick, Made in England, approx 13.5 cm long

Ivory crimshaw decorated with a clipper, 'Hawk', 12 cm long…

Hawk-Decorated Ivory Crimshaw Clipper (12cm)

Ivory crimshaw decorated with a clipper, 'Hawk', 12 cm long approx

A rare scrimshaw whalebone toggle decorated with deer and…

19th Century North American Whalebone Toggle with Scrimshaw Decoration

A rare scrimshaw whalebone toggle decorated with deer and floral motif, monogrammed 'A. S', North American, 19th century, 3 cm high

Two scrimshaw whale's teeth engraved with birds, the smaller…

Scrimshaw Whale's Teeth Engraved with Birds

Two scrimshaw whale's teeth engraved with birds, the smaller tooth engraved with a seagull and inscribed 'Favlt/Qvet', the larger tooth engraved with a stork, inscribed to verso 'Flamant', the largest tooth 10 cm long

A scrimshaw whales tooth on wooden base, 20th century. Tooth 9…

Scrimshaw Whale Tooth on Wooden Base

A scrimshaw whales tooth on wooden base, 20th century. Tooth 9 cm

Scrimshaw whales tooth depicting a three year old whale,…

Polynesian-Inscribed Whale Tooth Depicting Young Whale

Scrimshaw whales tooth depicting a three year old whale, inscribed with Polynesian text. Length 10 cm

Small ship decorated scrimshaw whales tooth titled 'Full Rigged…

Scrimshaw Whale Tooth: Full Rigged Ship

Small ship decorated scrimshaw whales tooth titled 'Full Rigged Ship', signed J. F. C and RMS

Early whales tooth scrimshaw length 13 cm

Vintage 13cm Whales Tooth Scrimshaw Art

Early whales tooth scrimshaw length 13 cm

Scrimshaw whales tooth, of natural curved form, length 15 cm

Curved Scrimshaw Whale Tooth, 15cm Length

Scrimshaw whales tooth, of natural curved form, length 15 cm

An old tooth with scrimshaw decoration, depicting a Victorian…

Victorian Scrimshaw Tooth with Purchase Receipt

An old tooth with scrimshaw decoration, depicting a Victorian couple, remains of old colour, original purchase receipt from Santiago, Chile.

An, engraved scrimshaw whales tooth 20th century depicting…

Engraved Whales Tooth with Polar Bear and Seal Hunting Scenes

An, engraved scrimshaw whales tooth 20th century depicting polar bear and seal hunting scenes, length 10 cm

Early sperm whale tooth scrimshaw with inscribed decoration,…

Antique Scrimshaw: Sperm Whale Tooth with Inscribed Decoration

Early sperm whale tooth scrimshaw with inscribed decoration, width 14.5 cm.

Whales Tooth/Scrimshaw, of natural curved form, length 16 cm

Natural Curved Whale Tooth Scrimshaw - 16cm Length

Whales Tooth/Scrimshaw, of natural curved form, length 16 cm

A scrimshaw whale's tooth engraved with an eagle, engraved…

Eagle Engraved Scrimshaw Whale Tooth, 12.5 cm

A scrimshaw whale's tooth engraved with an eagle, engraved 'Aigle' to verso, 12.5 cm long

Early whales tooth scrimshaw with etched decoration, length 11.…

Etched Scrimshaw Whale Tooth (11.5cm)

Early whales tooth scrimshaw with etched decoration, length 11.5 cm

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with tall ship titled 'Staffordshire…

"Staffordshire 1853" Scrimshaw Whale's Tooth with Tall Ship

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with tall ship titled 'Staffordshire 1853', 10 cm high

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with female portrait and Masonic…

Masonic Whale Tooth with Female Portrait

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with female portrait and Masonic iconography, 12 cm high

Small whalebone Busk with scrimshaw work on both sides, 22 cm

Scrimshaw Whalebone Busk, 22 cm

Small whalebone Busk with scrimshaw work on both sides, 22 cm

Whale tooth scrimshaw by Robert Monfils depicting two bald…

Bald Eagles Scrimshaw by R. Monfils

Whale tooth scrimshaw by Robert Monfils depicting two bald eagles, signed 'R. Monfils', mounted on a timber stand. Length 9.5 cm

Scrimshaw whales tooth with bird decoration

Bird-adorned Scrimshaw Whale Tooth

Scrimshaw whales tooth with bird decoration

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with tall ship. 17 cm

Tall Ship Scrimshaw: A Whale's Tooth Masterpiece

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with tall ship. 17 cm

A scrimshaw whale's tooth titled 'The Moment of Truth'. 13 cm

The Truth

A scrimshaw whale's tooth titled 'The Moment of Truth'. 13 cm

Whale's tooth scrimshaw. Incised view of sailing ship along…

Sailing Ship Scrimshaw on Whale Tooth

Whale's tooth scrimshaw. Incised view of sailing ship along length. American school. Length 16 cm

A commemorative scrimshaw whale tooth, lightly engraved and…

Bangalore Convict Ship Scrimshaw Tooth

A commemorative scrimshaw whale tooth, lightly engraved and inked representing the Bangalore convict ship that arrived in Moreton Bay carrying 292 convicts; with mark of 'Jesper 1992 Albany', with carry pouch and timber stand. Length 11 cm (without stand)

Scrimshaw whales tooth featuring decoration of a gentleman on…

1870 Scrimshaw Whale Tooth with Gentleman and Prayer

Scrimshaw whales tooth featuring decoration of a gentleman on one side & 'Father have mercy on Mary - 1870' on the other. Length 10 cm

Scrimshaw whales teeth one depicting a galleon lighthouse scene,…

Scrimshaw Whales Teeth with Galleon and Geisha Engravings

Scrimshaw whales teeth one depicting a galleon lighthouse scene, the other engraved with a geisha. Condition good, minor wear consistant with age. Length 8 cm. Weight 66g

Scrimshaw whales tooth with etched detail of a gent to one side…

1887 Whales Tooth Scrimshaw with Etched Gentleman

Scrimshaw whales tooth with etched detail of a gent to one side & 'Father have mercy on Mary 1887' to the other. Length 11 cm

Early whales tooth scrimshaw with etched decoration, length 15…

Antique Whale Tooth Scrimshaw with Etched Decoration

Early whales tooth scrimshaw with etched decoration, length 15 cm

An antique ivory paperknife with scrimshaw vignettes of…

An antique ivory paperknife with scrimshaw vignettes of tallship and sea Captain, 19th/20th century, 31 cm long

A scrimshaw whale's tooth, pair of boar teeth and a claw,…

Scrimshaw Tooth, Boar Teeth & Claw Collection

A scrimshaw whale's tooth, pair of boar teeth and a claw, 19th/20th century, the largest 17 cm long

Whale Tooth/Scrimshaw, of natural curved form, length 15 cm

Natural Curved Whale Tooth Scrimshaw - 15cm Length

Whale Tooth/Scrimshaw, of natural curved form, length 15 cm

Scrimshaw whales tooth decorated with one-legged pirate and his…

Pirate's Treasure: Scrimshaw Whale's Tooth

Scrimshaw whales tooth decorated with one-legged pirate and his treasure chest

Scrimshaw hippo tooth depicting shipping scene and anchor

Maritime Carving: Hippo Tooth Anchor & Shipping Scene

Scrimshaw hippo tooth depicting shipping scene and anchor

A whale tooth scrimshaw, 'Whaler'. Length 12 cm

Whaler's Tooth Scrimshaw

A whale tooth scrimshaw, 'Whaler'. Length 12 cm

Four scrimshaw Albany whales teeth, mid 20th century, various…

Mid-20th Century Scrimshaw Albany Whales Teeth Set

Four scrimshaw Albany whales teeth, mid 20th century, various lengths: 12 cm, 14 cm

Scrimshaw Whale tooth by W.A Artist from Albany

Albany Artist's Scrimshaw Whale Tooth

Scrimshaw Whale tooth by W.A Artist from Albany

Three whalebone cotton bobbins with scrimshaw decoration,…

Three whalebone cotton bobbins with scrimshaw decoration, whalebone busk carved with lizard decoration, Pacific Islander whalebone fishing hook, whale tooth toggle on keychain, antique Chinese carved ivory cigarette holder, marine ivory shoehorn and

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with scene of a tall ship. 15 cm.…

Scrimshaw Whale's Tooth with Tall Ship Scene

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with scene of a tall ship. 15 cm. Note: This lot has been identified at the time of cataloguing as containing organic material which may be subject to restrictions regarding export

An early 20th century whale tooth scrimshaw featuring Nouveau…

Nouveau Nude: 20th Century Whale Tooth Scrimshaw, 11cm Height

An early 20th century whale tooth scrimshaw featuring Nouveau style nude, height 11 cm

A scrimshaw example James Cumberland brown sperm whale…

Cumberland's Tall Ship Scrimshaw

A scrimshaw example James Cumberland brown sperm whale scrimshaw. Depicting a tall ship. Length10 cm Length10 cm

Scrimshaw whales tooth engraved with an oceanic scene depicting…

Oceanic Scrimshaw Whale Tooth Engraving

Scrimshaw whales tooth engraved with an oceanic scene depicting a galleon, whale & lighthouse to one side & a galleon & whale to verso. Condition good to fair, some later restoration. Length 14 cm. Weight 294g

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with boating scene and inscription…

Boating Scene on Scrimshaw Whale's Tooth

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with boating scene and inscription (illegible), 12.5 cm long

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with female portrait. 12 cm

Feminine Scrimshaw: Whale Tooth Portrait

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with female portrait. 12 cm

A scrimshaw whales's tooth with whaling scene. 11 cm

Whaling Scene Scrimshaw Tooth

A scrimshaw whales's tooth with whaling scene. 11 cm

Replica whale tooth scrimshaw with extensive engraved depiction…

Salem Scrimshaw: Engraved Whale Tooth Replica

Replica whale tooth scrimshaw with extensive engraved depiction of two fully rigged sailing vessels, and inscription London of Salem,' length 17.5 cm.

A small scrimshaw ivory tooth, engraved with a Sperm whale,…

Sperm Whale Scrimshaw Ivory Tooth, Signed - 10cm Length

A small scrimshaw ivory tooth, engraved with a Sperm whale, signed. Length 10 cm.

A scrimshaw whalebone busk with engraved decoration, a…

A scrimshaw whalebone busk with engraved decoration, a whalebone pocketknife engraved with an apple and a whale's tooth carved with rose decoration, (3 items), the busk 15 cm long

Antique whales tooth scrimshaw, decorated with a horse in a…

Horse Landscape on Antique Whales Tooth Scrimshaw

Antique whales tooth scrimshaw, decorated with a horse in a landscape. Approx 11.5 cm long

Ship decorated scrimshaw whales tooth, signed S. F. C

Scrimshaw Whale's Tooth with S.F.C. Signature

Ship decorated scrimshaw whales tooth, signed S. F. C

A 20th century scrimshaw whale's tooth, the wide flattened oval…

Sampan Sail: 20th Century Scrimshaw Whale's Tooth

A 20th century scrimshaw whale's tooth, the wide flattened oval section tooth decorated in black with a single sampan under sail, matt polished finish. 12 cm x 6.5 cm

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with tall ship. 14 cm

Tall Ship Scrimshaw Whale's Tooth

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with tall ship. 14 cm

A heavily incised rib bone scrimshaw, height 43 cm, width 5 cm…

Lizard Rib Scrimshaw on Stand

A heavily incised rib bone scrimshaw, height 43 cm, width 5 cm decorated with characters and tip bearing twin lizard like creatures, on metal stand,

A scrimshaw whale's tooth titled 'Following Wind', 14.5 cm wide

"Following Wind" Scrimshaw Whale Tooth

A scrimshaw whale's tooth titled 'Following Wind', 14.5 cm wide

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with ship portrait mounted on…

Scrimshaw Whale Tooth with Ship Portrait on Stand

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with ship portrait mounted on whalebone stand, 13 cm high

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with tallship.14 cm

Tallship Scrimshaw Whale Tooth

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with tallship.14 cm

A contemporary scrimshawed whale's tooth, showing a Chinese…

Chinese Market Scene on Whale's Tooth

A contemporary scrimshawed whale's tooth, showing a Chinese market scene and entitled '1000 B.C.', detailed in black, smooth overall finish. Length 15 cm

A scrimshaw whales tooth, 19th century, decorated with a ship,…

19th Century Scrimshaw Whale's Tooth with Ship Decoration

A scrimshaw whales tooth, 19th century, decorated with a ship, 16 cm long

A quality 20th century scrimshaw tooth, engraved one side with…

Humpback Whale Scrimshaw Tooth with Broaching Images

A quality 20th century scrimshaw tooth, engraved one side with single humpback whale, the other with four broaching images, some natural cracking, length 14 cm

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with tallships, monogrammed 'J.F.C.',…

Scrimshaw Whale Tooth with Tallships and Monogram

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with tallships, monogrammed 'J.F.C.', 11 cm long

Four scrimshaw Albany whales teeth, mid 20th century, various…

Mid-20th Century Albany Whales Teeth Scrimshaw Collection

Four scrimshaw Albany whales teeth, mid 20th century, various lengths: 11 cm, 15 cm

A scrimshaw whale's tooth engraved with a turtle, incised…

Scrimshaw Whale Tooth with Turtle and Inscription

A scrimshaw whale's tooth engraved with a turtle, incised 'Tortve/Nicote' to verso, 11.5 cm long

A scrimshaw whales tooth engraved 'Viva Elevala', mid 20th…

Elevala's Viva: Engraved Whale Tooth

A scrimshaw whales tooth engraved 'Viva Elevala', mid 20th century. 12.5 cm

A whale's tooth scrimshaw featuring boat length 8 cm condition…

Whale Tooth Scrimshaw: Good Condition with Natural Wear

A whale's tooth scrimshaw featuring boat length 8 cm condition - good - some general wear such as minor natural stress fractures, etc.

Three scrimshaw whale's teeth with female portraits, tallest 11.…

Scrimshaw Women: Three Portraits on Whale's Teeth

Three scrimshaw whale's teeth with female portraits, tallest 11.5 cm

A scrimshaw whale's tooth titled 'Queensberry Built 1856'. 14 cm

"Queensberry Built 1856" Scrimshaw Whale Tooth

A scrimshaw whale's tooth titled 'Queensberry Built 1856'. 14 cm

A scrimshaw whale's tooth. 9.5 cm

Scrimshaw Whale Tooth: A Miniature Masterpiece

A scrimshaw whale's tooth. 9.5 cm

Whale tooth scrimshaw. Engraved with sailing vessel. Length 11…

Sailing Vessel Scrimshaw on Whale Tooth

Whale tooth scrimshaw. Engraved with sailing vessel. Length 11 cm

Early whales tooth scrimshaw with etched decoration, length 14…

Etched Decorated Whale Tooth Scrimshaw, 14 cm

Early whales tooth scrimshaw with etched decoration, length 14 cm

Small scrimshaw whales tooth, the Endeavour, signed Jesper…

Jesper Albany's Endeavour Scrimshaw Whale Tooth

Small scrimshaw whales tooth, the Endeavour, signed Jesper Albany

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with romantic scene, 10 cm

Whale Tooth Romance

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with romantic scene, 10 cm

A sperm whale tooth with later scrimshaw, 16 cm length

Sperm Whale Tooth: Scrimshawed Beauty - 16cm Length

A sperm whale tooth with later scrimshaw, 16 cm length

A scrimshaw whale's tooth engraved with a tree, 10 cm high

Tree Engraved Whale Tooth: A Scrimshaw Masterpiece

A scrimshaw whale's tooth engraved with a tree, 10 cm high

A scrimshaw whalebone busk with steamship titled 'Atalanta,…

Steamship Atalanta scrimshaw whalebone busk, 1883

A scrimshaw whalebone busk with steamship titled 'Atalanta, 1883', 20 cm long

Scrimshaw whales tooth with double sided decoration of…

Double-Sided Scrimshaw Whale Tooth by J. F. C

Scrimshaw whales tooth with double sided decoration of lighthouse and ship, signed J. F. C

A scrimshaw whale's tooth engraved with a female figure in a…

Scrimshaw Whale Tooth: Engraved Female Figure in Hat

A scrimshaw whale's tooth engraved with a female figure in a hat, 13 cm high

A whale tooth scrimshaw carved with a sailing ship, initialled…

JFC's Whale Tooth Scrimshaw with Sailing Ship

A whale tooth scrimshaw carved with a sailing ship, initialled JFC, on a wooden stand. 13 cm high

A collection of carved whalebone and scrimshaw egg cups and…

19th Century Whalebone Egg Cups and Napkin Rings Collection

A collection of carved whalebone and scrimshaw egg cups and napkin rings, 19th century, the largest 10 cm

A scrimshaw whales tooth, 19th century, carved to both sides…

19th Century Scrimshaw Whales Tooth with Ships Carvings

A scrimshaw whales tooth, 19th century, carved to both sides with ships, 16.5 cm long

Scrimshaw whales tooth of an Edwardian lady, having stippled…

Edwardian Lady Scrimshaw Whale Tooth with Stippled Detail

Scrimshaw whales tooth of an Edwardian lady, having stippled detail. Length 10.5 cm

Scrimshaw whales tooth depicting a sailing ship & titled 'Hawk'.…

"Hawk" Scrimshaw Whale's Tooth of Sailing Ship (11cm)

Scrimshaw whales tooth depicting a sailing ship & titled 'Hawk'. Length 11 cm

Whale tooth scrimshaw 'Rebel' by Bouis depicting the ship Rebel,…

Rebel Ship Scrimshaw by Bouis

Whale tooth scrimshaw 'Rebel' by Bouis depicting the ship Rebel, inscribed 'Rebel, 1981, Bouis C45' & pierced to the point. Condition good, small crack to verso. Length 13 cm

Whale tooth scrimshaw 'Daisy' depicting the American whaling…

"Daisy" Whaling Brig Scrimshaw, 1911

Whale tooth scrimshaw 'Daisy' depicting the American whaling ship & inscribed 'Daisy New Bedford, Whaling Brig 1911'. Condition good, minor wear. Length 10.5 cm

Two scrimshaw whale's teeth with female portraits, one titled…

Scrimshaw Whale Teeth: Mary and Her Blessings

Two scrimshaw whale's teeth with female portraits, one titled 'God Bless Our Mary, 13 cm and 10 cm high

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with carving of three women, 17 cm

Scrimshaw Whale Tooth: Three Women Carving

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with carving of three women, 17 cm

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with harbor scene, titled 'Peter Duck…

Scrimshaw Whale Tooth: 'Peter Duck Pin Mill' (1935)

A scrimshaw whale's tooth with harbor scene, titled 'Peter Duck Pin Mill', circa 1935, reverse inscribed Arthur Ransome Nancy Blackett, monogrammed Nl with anchor, 13 cm long

Early whales tooth scrimshaw with etched decoration, length 16…

Etched Scrimshaw Whale Tooth, 16cm

Early whales tooth scrimshaw with etched decoration, length 16 cm

A scrimshaw pocket snuffbox, whale's tooth and silver, engraved…

Christian Scrimshaw Snuffbox: Whale Tooth & Silver Engraving

A scrimshaw pocket snuffbox, whale's tooth and silver, engraved 'Christian', 13 cm high

An early scrimshaw whale's tooth, depicting a moustached…

Scrimshaw Whale's Tooth: Kilted Gentleman by Mr Atioell

An early scrimshaw whale's tooth, depicting a moustached gentleman in kilt and feathered cap signed 'Mr Atioell', black stained detail and polished finish. Length 10.5 cm

A scrimshaw decorated whale tooth with a dragon and a vessel 15…

Dragon and Vessel Scrimshaw Whale Tooth

A scrimshaw decorated whale tooth with a dragon and a vessel 15 cm

An incised whale bone scrimshaw, possibly African origin, 38 cm…

African Whale Bone Scrimshaw: 38cm of Intricate Art

An incised whale bone scrimshaw, possibly African origin, 38 cm long

Two scrimshaw whale's teeth. 7 cm & 8 cm

Pair of Scrimshaw Whale Teeth: 7cm & 8cm

Two scrimshaw whale's teeth. 7 cm & 8 cm

Three scrimshaw whale's teeth with engraved tall ships. Longest…

Scrimshaw Teeth: Engraved Tall Ships Collection

Three scrimshaw whale's teeth with engraved tall ships. Longest 14 cm