Scrimshaw - Europe - 19th Century
SCRIMSHAW
Europe
19th century
Sperm whale tooth
Length: 17; Width: 6.5 cm
A sperm whale tooth known as a scrimshaw, engraved on one side with a galleon and, on the other, a boat split in two by a sperm whale, sailors falling overboard, and another sailing ship observing the scene.
During the 19th century, whaling ships set sail from ports on voyages that could last several years, sometimes as long as five. Life on board was marked by a succession of intense moments of whaling and long periods of inactivity on the open sea. It was against this backdrop that scrimshaw developed. To pass the time, sailors began engraving and carving materials taken from the whales they had caught. The term ‘scrimshaw’ first appeared in American archives in the early 1820s, although its origin remains uncertain. It eventually came to refer to all engraved or carved objects produced by crews aboard whaling ships.
Ref.: 7186
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON
Europe
19th century
Sperm whale tooth
Length: 17; Width: 6.5 cm
A sperm whale tooth known as a scrimshaw, engraved on one side with a galleon and, on the other, a boat split in two by a sperm whale, sailors falling overboard, and another sailing ship observing the scene.
During the 19th century, whaling ships set sail from ports on voyages that could last several years, sometimes as long as five. Life on board was marked by a succession of intense moments of whaling and long periods of inactivity on the open sea. It was against this backdrop that scrimshaw developed. To pass the time, sailors began engraving and carving materials taken from the whales they had caught. The term ‘scrimshaw’ first appeared in American archives in the early 1820s, although its origin remains uncertain. It eventually came to refer to all engraved or carved objects produced by crews aboard whaling ships.
Ref.: 7186
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON
520 €
Period: 19th century
Style: Other Style
Condition: Excellent condition
Reference (ID): 1779926
Availability: In stock
Print
