scrimshaw

A large and interesting piece of scrimshaw depicting a sail boat, most likely the vessel this scrimshander sailed upon. Typically for a piece of scrimshaw from the 19th century this piece is drawn upon the tooth of a sperm whale. Scrimshaw essentially was a leisure activity for whalers. Because the work of whaling was very dangerous at the best of times, whalers were unable to work at night. This gave them a great deal more free time than most other sailors. A lot of scrimshaw was never signed and a great many of the pieces are anonymous. Early scrimshaw was done with crude sailing needles, and the movement of the ship, as well as the skill of the artist, produced drawings of varying levels of detail and artistry. Originally, candle black soot or tobacco juice would have been used to bring the etched drawing into view. This fine piece of early 19th century scrimshaw measures 7 inches in length

Antiques.co.uk Ref: VV4ABDPC

Height (cm):

18

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