“Great Blue Heron” (Ardea herodias) color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by David Adams. Love the composition of this beautiful work by Adams. The ancient walrus tusk was split down the middle at some time in the past and Adams picked up on the sharp, pointed end as inspiration for the spear like beak of the blue heron. Brilliant. The complex stipple work in the background is simply amazing as well. The Bolivian rosewood stand itself is another work of art. In fact, everything works together in this one. Really like it.
Color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Gary Williams. Outstanding work by one of the most versatile scrimshanders working today. Known for his thoughtful portraits, Williams is just as strong with wildlife and even fantasy. this guy can do it all. Strong portrait captures the spirit of strong people. Incredible inlay on the name plate by Cash. This beautiful work is from one of our long time collectors who is no longer with us. Nice work at a great price.
“Majestic Snowy Owl” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by the late Kelly Mulford. Known to be one of the very best scrimshanders of his era, Mulford had a soft spot for birds of all types. The snowy owl depicted here is a fine example of his work. Done in 19983, it is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. This is one of the heaviest owls as they have a great amount of feathers in order to keep warm. Even their feet are protected by feathers. The snowy owl was the favorite pet of Harry Potter, so it must have special powers. The artifact, between 500-1500 years old, was used as a fire starter. Excellent opportunity to add a first rate Mulford to your collection at 1983 prices.
“Rocky Mountain Goat” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Heidi Robichaud. Nice family portrait of nannie mountain goat and kid. Incredible work by Robichaud of using the natural color and tones of the ivory in her subject matter. Note how the snow pack on the right turns into brush and the natural materials on the left side of the tusk resemble spots of unmelted spring snow. She created this outstanding piece in 1984 and it is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Ivory was used as an ice axe by natives of the Northern Bering Sea area hundreds of years ago. By the way, mountains goats are not in the same genus as goats and are associated with gazelles and antelopes. Great piece!
“Wild Stallion and Herd” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by Mary Byrne. Rearing wild stallion oversees his herd as it passes by. One of the colts appears to have the same coloring. Scenes such as this can still be seen in parts of the West. Byrne, who was one of the very best of the West Coast scrimshanders, created this in the late 70s. It is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Long tusk that was split in two at some time in the past. An artifact in the making that did not pan out.
“Mystical Swan Family” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Mary Byrne. One of the most talented of all the contemporary West Coast scrimshanders, Byrne’s work is rarely seen and is prized by astute collectors. This is classic Byrne, not only in subject matter, but, also in composition. The ominous dark water’s surface is broken by the female swan and her cignets revealing shades of bright blue underneath the dark surface. Love the tones in the dominate male’s wings. Ivory was used as an ice axe by ancient people hundreds of years ago. From the collection of one of our long time clients who is no longer with us. Great piece at 1980s prices.
“Hooded Merganser Family” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by the late Kelly Mulford. Outstanding example of first rate Kelly Mulford scrimshaw. He loved to scrimshaw duck scenes and was probably the best of all the West Coast scrimshanders with his prized duck scenes. He could have been the first to win the Federal Duck Stamp competition with a scrimshaw entry had he chosen to submit his work. Interesting artifact used both as an ice axe and fire starter by ancient people in the Northern Bering Sea area hundreds of years ago. Another piece from one of our clients who is no longer with us. Kelly created this in 1983 and it was initially sold for more that the current price. Great opportunity to acquire a Mulford at 1980s prices.
“Horses Running Free” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Terry Nelson. Very rare to see a Nelson piece appear on the open market today. One of the best known of the group responsible for contemporary West Coast style of scrimshaw, Nelson’s work is prized by astute collectors. Her portraits were outstanding, but her wildlife took a backseat to no one, as can be seen here. This was done in the mid 80s and is from the extensive collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. You won’t see a Nelson wildlife piece like this again. Simply great work!
“Hunting Puma in Snow” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by the late Kelly Mulford. Alert Puma has just heard something under the snow. See his ears pricked forward. He is going to be eating soon. Judging by his appearance, he must be a superior hunter. Mulford always found a way to use the natural shape and tones of the ivory. Note the way he used the natural colors of the ivory in the snow laden branch. Nice. Kelly created this in 1983 and is from one of our collectors who is no longer with us. The ivory was used as an ice axe by ancient people hundreds of years ago. Rare opportunity to add a first rate Kelly Mulford to one’s collection for 1980s prices.
“Wood Duck Family” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by the late Kelly Mulford. One of the most colorful of all ducks, this attractive family seems ready for a Sunday stroll dressed in their finery. Mulford loved to do wildlife, especially birds, as can be easily seen in this beauty. This was created in 1983 by Mulford and is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us. Excellent opportunity to add to your collection at 1980s prices. Excellent work.