SCRIMSHAW ARTIST View all David Adams scrimshaw pieces Scrimshaw artist biography coming soon.
“Sultry Woman with Hat” black and white scrimshaw on antique ivory match holder by David Adams. Rare match holder probably made in England c. 1860…1880. It was definitely used as can be seen by the darker areas at the bottom where the match was lit. The end of the piece opens for the matches. Excellent condition all the way around. Adams has created a captivating woman of that era wearing an elaborate hat. Note the way the shadow falls across here eyes. Adams is in a class by himself for subject matter such as this. We had a simple stand made for it. Definitely a one of a kind.
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 to you and everyone complies with the law. Any questions, email or call us.
“Programme du bal” “Programme du bal” black and white scrimshaw on antique ivory dance card by David Adams. These beautiful items were used by aristocratic ladies of the Victorian era attending formal balls. The lady would inscribe the names of her admirers who wished to dance with her in order on each slate. This one is quite old with marvelous patina, probably made in England or France c.1850s. Gave rise to the expression “Her dance card is full”. This is the only one we have ever seen that has the original pen attached. We added the chain and had the stand made. Obviously, it probably did not take too long for this beauty’s card to be full. Excellent opportunity to add something different to one’s 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 to you and everyone complies with the law. Any questions, email or call us.
“Pirate Queen Boarding!” Black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth ivory tusk bark by David Adams. Leading the way, sword in hand The Pirate Queen boards another prey, her crew following behind. This is another one of Adams’ depictions of Pirate Queens. The amount of work in this one is incredible, from the shading on her face to the shading of here hair. A work of art to be treasured.
“Pirate Sabrina Strikes Again” blacfk and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory bark by David Adams. Another victory for Sabrina. She seems to be on a mission to avenge some long past incident at sea. Adams’ stipple work here is amazing The shading on her face is perfect. Hard to take your eyes off her captivating face, but take a look at the detail in her heavy jacket. These pieces by Adams rank among the very best he has created.
“Maiden with Night Light” color scrimshaw on ancient mammoth ivory bark by David Adams. Another outstanding creation in our series of female pirates. Although she is not as fearsome as some of the others that Adams has portrayed, she conveys a look of intense scrutiny. Nothing on board escapes her notice, even in the dark of night. Also, we do not know if she is clutching a sword in her left hand. Note the detail of the chain as the light illuminates just a portion of it, then fades into darkness at the top. These kind of minute details are precisely what sets Adams’ work apart from others. He does not just fill up the space in the ivory, but creates a spellbinding scene in each piece. This takes both a great deal of talent and time, both of which can be seen in this incredible work.
“Pirate Queen with Sword” Color scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory bark by David Adams. Amazing work by Adams on this large piece of mammoth bark. This is one of a series of women pirates that we have added to our online gallery. Yes, there were female pirates, but, probably, not as alluring as portrayed here. Nevertheless, this is what art is about. She is well dressed with thigh high boots and striking crimson sash along with a stylish vest with gold trappings. Dressed to kill as can be seen with the menacing sword clutched in her right hand. Only a scant handful of contemporary scrimshanders of the last several decades were capable of creating work of this caliber. This is something the lucky owner will keep in the family and pass down from generation to generation. It is that brilliant.
“Nemo’s Nightmare!” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory bark by David Adams. Captain Nemo is in a precarious position this time. Just when he finally located the elusive treasure for which he had been searching, this giant octopus attacked! The action leaves the viewer wondering which one will be victorious. Scrimshander Adams has done a masterful job on this huge piece of mammoth bark. The shading from the dark recess of the octopus’ den to the lighter tones of the sea floor up to the Nautilus is perfect. This one took forever to complete, but the wait was worth it. This will be a high point of any serious scrimshaw collection, no doubt about it.
“Vigilant Lone Wolf” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth ivory bark by David Adams. Perched high upon a snow covered ledge, this guy is looking for his next meal. Amazing how Adams manages to capture the spirit of his subject matter, animal or human. Thick ivory mounted on a handsome stand, this one is outstanding.
“Battling Rams” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by David Adams. The expression “butting heads” immediatrely comes to mind. These two are out to prove which one is the tougher. The winner gets the harem, the loser looks for another mountain. Survival of the fittest. Great work by Adams on this very nice piece of mammoth bark/.