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2722
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CARVED IVORY HEAD SYNTAX 18C ENGLISH FIGURE
English carved ivory figure /head of famous caricature, Dr. Syntax, created by Thomas Rowlandson in the 18th century. The head is antique, and probably dates to the period (18th century), but the round base is a later addition and may be bone. Total height is slightly under 2 1/2 inches.
The well-known cartoonish face with pointed chin coming up to meet pointed nose, big puffy hair/wig wonderfully depicted eyes. Great detail to brows, hair and toothless mouth.
Very good condition. ********
Thomas ROWLANDSON was born in London, England in 1756. He was the son of an unsuccessful merchant. He nevertheless received a decent education and travelled extensively in Europe and the British Isles.
He was to become on the of most famous political lampoonists and caricaturists of his age - the era of King George III. There was little censorship at the time & some 'vicious' cartoons were drawn of political figures. Even Royalty did not escape.
Rowlandson turned his talent as a draughtsman, etcher and engraver of aquatints, to good advantage. Perhaps his most enduring works are the plates drawn for the very successful 'DR SYNTAX' series of books.
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1844
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JAPANESE IVORY OKIMONO HUNTER CAPTURING EAGLE
Japanese ivory okimono, probably 19th century, possibly very early, depicting a hunter capturing an eagle.
7 1/2inches long.5inches high.
A hunter stands astride an eagle, it's outstretched wings forming the base of the group. Hooked beak open as though shouting in anger. The hunter, belt and jacket flying as he moves swiftly, holds a looped rope with which to tie up the bird, one hand holding it down below the neck. His face is steeped in concentration. The detail of this group is fantastic. Turn it upside down and it is equally beautiful - the wings, each feather of which is carved and etched, rest on a leafy branch.
Behind the man is his quiver with some arrows removed.
The ivory has a wonderful buttery patina, only to be found in very old pieces. The exceptional quality of the sculpting is also not to be found in anything made for well over 100 years.
A tiny rectangle is missing from the branch underneath. I believe this should have held the signature.
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1564
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EXCEPTIONAL 18C IVORY FIGURE WOMAN W MUFF
Exceptional genuine elephant ivory figure of a woman, carved, I believe no later than the 18th century.
Measures 8 3/8inches excluding the base. 9 1/2inches high including the base.
Old ivory has incredible butterly patina - smootheness that only centuries can produce.
Upon first glance, the figurine looks fairly stylised, but closer inspection reveals amazing subtlety and delicately carved detail. She wears a finely carved long dress with delicate folds and scallops at the bottom, revealing the tips of her feet. Her hands are enclosed in a muff or cascading cloth. Her face is magnificent: wonderful detail to features. A subtle smile plays around her mouth, she has marvellous dimples, a very slight double chin, eyes closed in pleasure and an amazing complex hairstyle that only a rich noblewoman could have sported. Ears are long and spiralling.
Ebonised wooden base in the form of a double flower.
Excellent condition.No damage of any sort.
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515
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19C FRENCH TOOLS : IVORY NEEDLE CASE & HOLDER
Pair of 19th century French ivory holders - one for needles ( bodkin case) and one probably held a pencil.<P><P> Measurements: the needle case measures 3 1/4" long.<P><P>Both of these items were probably held in a ladie's bag as part of what she would carry around with her. Both easilly open and are in good condition despite their obvious age.<P><P>
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