Born in the golden age of whaling during the 18th and 19th centuries when whalers had an abundance of ivory whales' teeth and idle time on board ship.
Scrimshaw is said to be the only original American art form.
Using a jack knife or sharp nail for a scribe and lampblack as ink, the sailors scratched out primitive renditions of their ship, the hunt or the girl back home. From crude beginnings, scrimshaw has evolved into a very fine art form with full color photographic quality artwork now being accomplished. All scrimshaw that we offer is signed by the artist and most pieces are mounted on hardwood bases. We have hundreds of scrimshaw pieces on hand at all times, with prices up to several thousand dollars. If you want a particular scrimshaw, carving, knife re-handled in ivory, jewelry piece etc., made with our ivory or yours, please call.