Inlaid bone oval box decorated with whaling scene
box
SCRIMSHAW & ALLIED ARTS - BOXESmarad; scrimshaw
8 x 10-1/4 x 4-7/8 in.
Scrimshawed bone box, oval, with wooden base. Cover is single piece of ivory with inlaid baleen edging. Large sperm whale with 2 small whaleboats giving chase etched on cover. Sides of cover etched with continuous floral vine. Brass & copper tacks secure sides to cover & cutout overlap. One side filled with delicate floral motif, banded on 3 sides with diamond geometric design. To left of overlap, port broadside view of large sidewheel auxiliary steamship in harbor, people, small boat, building in foreground. To right of overlap, starboard broadside view of bark, sails set.
UNIDENTIFIED ship; UNIDENTIFIED whaleboat
1952.44