Scrimshaw Kit "The Story of Scrimshaw" Booklet

scrimshaw kit booklet

Booklet titled "The Story of Scrimshaw" by Edouard A. Stackpole from scrimshaw kit 2022.35. Cover reads: "THE STORY OF SCRIMSHAW / by / Edouard A. Stackpole / THE FOUR WINDS / STRAIGHT WHARF / NANTUCKET, MASS." Interior provides background to the art of scrimshaw; reads: "SCRIMSHAW / by / EDOUARD A. STACKPOLE / Scrimshaw is the folk art of the American whaleman, an adaptation of the ancient craft of ivory carving. The word itself denotes both the art form and the object. During the long hours of leisure at sea the whalement, using knives, sail needles and cooper's gouges, carved and etched designs on the teeth of the sperm whale and also used the whale bone for carving such household objects as crimping wheels, "swifts" for winding wool, clothes pins, pickwicks and rolling pins. One of the most intimate gifts was the busk or frontal stay for corsets. / Whalebone and ivory was also used as inlay for writing desks, jewel boxes, mirror frames and work boxes. The baleen, or bone from the right whale, was utilized for umbrella ribs, buggy whips and, most important, stays for ladies' corsets. Bird cages, work baskets and handles for tools were also in the wide range of whalebone use. / As a form of marine folk art, Scrimshaw represents something more than the crude picture etched on a tooth or an exquisitely carved brooch. It is a testimonial to whaling - one of the most adventurous pursuits in the annals of maritime history. Once a part of the household scene of a centry ago it has now become basically an art form." Part of scrimshaw kit produced by The Four Winds company in Nantucket, MA. Good condition. Overall: 3 x 2 in. (closed).