SCRIMSHAW ARTIST View all Karen Reno scrimshaw pieces Scrimshaw artist biography coming soon.
“Osprey Pandion haliaetus” color scrimshaw on pre-ban African Ivory by Karen Reno. Although she is no longer working, it was well known that Reno was one of the best of her class. She could do anything: nautical, wildlife and nudes. Everything was first class as can be seen here. We do not get many of her pieces as most collectors are loath to part with a Karen Reno creation. This is from the collection of one of our long time clients who is no longer with us. The size of the ivory is quite impressive, by the way. A few facts about the magnificent bird taken from the internet:
- When diving after fish, Ospreys can completely submerge themselves underwater and still be able to fly away with their prey. Most other fish-eating birds of prey can only pluck fish from the surface of the water as they fly by.
- When they dive into the water, Osprey close their third eyelid – called a nictitating membrane – which is semi-transparent. It acts like goggles and helps them see clearly beneath the water.
- When Osprey carry their prey, they always re-position the fish so that its head faces forward in a streamlined position for transporting through the air.
Notice:
This scrimshaw is done on pre-ban African ivory. Since the passage of the CITIES Treaty in 1973, there has been no African ivory brought into the U.S. However, ivory that was in the U.S. prior to 1973 can be legally sold and shipped within the U.S. However, new legislation taking effect in 2016 restricts pre-ban African Ivory from being shipped interstate. It can only legally be shipped intrastate, (within the state). All of our pre-ban ivory is located with our associate in the state of Florida. It can be purchased directly from our website and shipped only to an address within the state of Florida. If one has a relative, trusted friend or business associate within the state of Florida, we can ship to that specified address in order to comply with the new Federal legislation. The scrimshaw can then be forwarded it to you and everyone complies with the law. Any questions email or call us.
“Woman with Comb” color scrimshaw on pre-ban Ivory brush by Karen Reno. Created by Reno for Scrimshaw Gallery in the late 1980s, this amazing piece is from the collection of one our clients who is no longer with us. The brush itself was made in London in the 1880s. The boar bristles are in excellent condition. No one did better nudes than Karen Reno. Note the way she compliments the red tones in the woman’s fingernails and lipstick with the rose on the handle. Ditto with the lustrous hair and the intricate scroll work. This is simply an outstanding work at a bargain price.
Notice:
This scrimshaw is done on pre-ban African ivory. Since the passage of the CITIES Treaty in 1973, there has been no African ivory brought into the U.S. However, ivory that was in the U.S. prior to 1973 can be legally sold and shipped within the U.S. However, new legislation taking effect in 2016 restricts pre-ban African Ivory from being shipped interstate. It can only legally be shipped intrastate, (within the state). All of our pre-ban ivory is located with our associate in the state of Florida. It can be purchased directly from our website and shipped only to an address within the state of Florida. If one has a relative, trusted friend or business associate within the state of Florida, we can ship to that specified address in order to comply with the new Federal legislation. The scrimshaw can then be forwarded it to you and everyone complies with the law. Any questions email or call us.
“Hunting Polar Bear and Cubs” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by Karen Reno. Mama bear and cubs all spy something. Probably food related as the polar bear does not have enemies (except man and nature). Reno is best known for her nudes, but she was right up there with the best at wildlife as well. This could easily be mistaken for a Dorning or Adams scrimshaw, it is that good. Very large tusk in perfect scrimshaw condition. Not much of this quality around anymore. Reno, who is no longer working, created this in 2009. It is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Won’t see another like this.
“King Salmon for Supper” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Karen Reno. Easy catch for this experienced brown bear. In his world the maxim is “eat or be eaten” and he will eat his fill with the spawning salmon returning. Done on an ancient net sinker 500-1500 years old. At one point the ivory rolled around on the beach grinding away the outer layers which is the reason it is so smooth. Very heavy piece of ivory, by the way. Probably done in the mid 90s, this is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us.
“Penny for her Thoughts” black and white scrimshaw on pre-ban African Ivory by Karen Reno. This comely young lady seems to be completely lost in her thoughts, twisting her hair in an absent minded manner familiar to all day dreamers. Excellent shading by Reno, as usual. From the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us, this is an excellent opportunity to add a very fine work by Reno, who is no longer working, to your collection.
Notice:
This scrimshaw is done on pre-ban African ivory. Since the passage of the CITIES Treaty in 1973, there has been no African ivory brought into the U.S. However, ivory that was in the U.S. prior to 1973 can be legally sold and shipped within the U.S. However, new legislation taking effect in 2016 restricts pre-ban African Ivory from being shipped interstate. It can only legally be shipped intrastate, (within the state). All of our pre-ban ivory is located with our associate in the state of Florida. It can be purchased directly from our website and shipped only to an address within the state of Florida. If one has a relative, trusted friend or business associate within the state of Florida, we can ship to that specified address in order to comply with the new Federal legislation. The scrimshaw can then be forwarded it to you and everyone complies with the law. Any questions email or call us.
“Scrimshander at Work” black and white scrimshaw on whale’s tooth by Karen Reno. Excellent portrait of mariner at work on a whale’s tooth while smoking his pipe. Great detail in this piece such as the suspenders and the rumpled shirt. Quote from Moby Dick on the reverse side. A prized piece as Reno did not create a great deal of her work on whale’s teeth. From one of our collectors who is no longer with us. The estate asked us to price it attractively and we did so. It could easily command much, much more.
Notice:
This scrimshaw is done on a sperm whale’s tooth. Federal legislation bans the interstate shipment of whale ivory. It can only be shipped intrastate (within the state). All of our whale ivory is located with our associate in the state of Florida. It can be purchased directly from our website and shipped only to an address within the state of Florida. If one has a relative, trusted friend or business associate within the state of Florida, we can ship to that specified address in order to comply with Federal legislation. The scrimshaw can then be forwarded to you and everyone complies with the law. Any questions, email or call us.
“Brunette Beauty Posing” black and white scrimshaw on pre-ban African Ivory by Karen Reno. No one did better portraits of women than Karen Reno. She has not created any scrimshaw for about 20 years now, but when she was working no one did it better. This woman seems to be posing for an artist. One hopes the artist is as good as the model. Reno’s work is seldom seen on the open market today as most collectors simply do not wish to part with her portraits.
Notice:
This scrimshaw is done on pre-ban African ivory. Since the passage of the CITIES Treaty in 1973, there has been no African ivory brought into the U.S. However, ivory that was in the U.S. prior to 1973 can be legally sold and shipped within the U.S. However, new legislation taking effect in 2016 restricts pre-ban African Ivory from being shipped interstate. It can only legally be shipped intrastate, (within the state). All of our pre-ban ivory is located with our associate in the state of Florida. It can be purchased directly from our website and shipped only to an address within the state of Florida. If one has a relative, trusted friend or business associate within the state of Florida, we can ship to that specified address in order to comply with the new Federal legislation. The scrimshaw can then be forwarded it to you and everyone complies with the law. Any questions email or call us.
“Lady Icarus” color scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by Karen Reno. Little known fact in Greek mythology is the story of Lady Icarus. She was left behind when her husband and father in law flew away from the island. Outstanding work by Reno on this one which was done several years ago. It is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Reno has not created any scrimshaw for over a decade now. Love the color in her wings that compliments the draping fabric and the pendant on her forehead. The stand is simply a work of art in itself. If you do not care for the myth of Lady Icarus, feel free to create one of your own. I did.
“Victorian Women at Leisure” black and white scrimshaw on matched set (brush and mirror) by Karen Reno. This set was done by Karen in the late 90s and is from the collection of one of our long time clients who is no longer with us. The set was probably made in England and used by someone there, judging from the coloration on the mirror from the hand oils transferring to the mirror over the years. Boar bristles show very little wear. We had the incredible stands made before Reno worked her magic. You will not see work like this today on this type of material. The original owner acquired the set for $6000.00.
Notice:
This scrimshaw is done on pre-ban African ivory. Since the passage of the CITIES Treaty in 1973, there has been no African ivory brought into the U.S. However, ivory that was in the U.S. prior to 1973 can be legally sold and shipped within the U.S. However, new legislation taking effect in 2016 restricts pre-ban African Ivory from being shipped interstate. It can only legally be shipped intrastate, (within the state). All of our pre-ban ivory is located with our associate in the state of Florida. It can be purchased directly from our website and shipped only to an address within the state of Florida. If one has a relative, trusted friend or business associate within the state of Florida, we can ship to that specified address in order to comply with the new Federal legislation. The scrimshaw can then be forwarded it to you and everyone complies with the law. Any questions email or call us.
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