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Ivory Collection (page 62)

"Ivory: A Tale of Elegance and Controversy" Ivory, a precious material with a rich history, has captivated civilizations for centuries

Background imageIvory Collection: African Elephant Bull. Feeding in a river. Zambezi River, Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, Africa

African Elephant Bull. Feeding in a river. Zambezi River, Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, Africa
TOM-829 African Elephant Bull - feeding in a river. Zambezi River, Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, Africa Loxodonta africana Tom & Pat Leeson Please note that prints are for personal display

Background imageIvory Collection: Walrus - bulls hauled out along the Alaska Peninsula's Bering Sea coast. Summer. ML372

Walrus - bulls hauled out along the Alaska Peninsula's Bering Sea coast. Summer. ML372
TOM-1557 Walrus - bulls hauled out along the Alaska Peninsula's Bering Sea coast. Summer. USA Odobenus rosmarus Tom & Pat Leeson Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only

Background imageIvory Collection: African Elephant Bull. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, Africa

African Elephant Bull. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, Africa
TOM-826 African Elephant Bull Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, Africa Loxodonta africana Tom & Pat Leeson Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only

Background imageIvory Collection: Ebony wood and ivory inlay detail on one of the pair of throne chairs

Ebony wood and ivory inlay detail on one of the pair of throne chairs, Sirohi Palace, Sirohi, Southern Rajasthan state, India, Asia

Background imageIvory Collection: A scribes palette in ivory and a case for writing-reeds made of wood plated with gold

A scribes palette in ivory and a case for writing-reeds made of wood plated with gold and inlaid with glass-paste, from the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamun, discovered in the Valley of the Kings

Background imageIvory Collection: An Asian adversary carved on the lower end of a ceremonial cane

An Asian adversary carved on the lower end of a ceremonial cane, from the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamun, discovered in the Valley of the Kings, Thebes, Egypt, North Africa, Africa

Background imageIvory Collection: Ivory jewel chest from the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamun, discovered in the Valley of the Kings

Ivory jewel chest from the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamun, discovered in the Valley of the Kings, Thebes, Egypt, North Africa, Africa

Background imageIvory Collection: Folding headrest in painted ivory decorated with the head of the protective spirit Bes

Folding headrest in painted ivory decorated with the head of the protective spirit Bes, from the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamun, discovered in the Valley of the Kings, Thebes, Egypt, North Africa

Background imageIvory Collection: A board game of senet, in ebony and ivory, from the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamun

A board game of senet, in ebony and ivory, from the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamun, discovered in the Valley of the Kings, Thebes, Egypt, North Africa, Africa

Background imageIvory Collection: African Elephant Bulls. Engaging in dominance behavior--sparring

African Elephant Bulls. Engaging in dominance behavior--sparring. Lake Kariba, Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe
TOM-831 African Elephant Bulls. Engaging in dominance behavior, sparring Lake Kariba, Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe, Africa

Background imageIvory Collection: African Elephant Bull. Being aggressive. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, Africa. 3ME303

African Elephant Bull. Being aggressive. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, Africa. 3ME303
TOM-832 African Elephant Bull - being aggressive Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, Africa. Loxodonta africana Tom & Pat Leeson Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only

Background imageIvory Collection: African Elephant Bull. Feeding in a river. Zambezi River, Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

African Elephant Bull. Feeding in a river. Zambezi River, Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, Africa. 3ME283
TOM-579 African ELEPHANTS - Bull, feeding in river Zambezi River, Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, Africa Loxodonta africana Tom & Pat Leeson Please note that prints are for personal display

Background imageIvory Collection: Manet Takes Tiassale

Manet Takes Tiassale
Marchand and Manet take Tiassale with much loss of life

Background imageIvory Collection: Marchand / With Natives

Marchand / With Natives
Jean Baptiste Marchand. French explorer who traced the source of the Niger River, explored the Ivory Coast region and caused a Franco- British crisis in Fashoda

Background imageIvory Collection: Weighing Ivory Tusks

Weighing Ivory Tusks
From jungle to dressing table. Weighing elephant tusks for making into brush handles, billiard balls and other beautiful objects for ladies dressing tables

Background imageIvory Collection: Statue of Zeus, Olympia

Statue of Zeus, Olympia
The giant statue was carved by the Greek sculptor Phidias around 435 BC from ivory. It was slowly destroyed by fire, floods, earthquakes and landslides

Background imageIvory Collection: Ivory Tusks / Congo / C19Th

Ivory Tusks / Congo / C19Th
Carrying ivory tusks in the Congo

Background imageIvory Collection: Board Game Seller 18C

Board Game Seller 18C
A French tabletier: dealer in fancy goods of ivory, ebony, etc, including chess and backgammon sets

Background imageIvory Collection: Mary [Ivory Statue]

Mary [Ivory Statue]
Mother of Jesus, whom she is shown holding

Background imageIvory Collection: 7 Wonders / Zeus / Parr

7 Wonders / Zeus / Parr
The statue was carved by the Greek sculptor, Phidias, around 435 BC from ivory. It was slowly destroyed by fire, floods, earthquakes and landslides

Background imageIvory Collection: 7 Wonders / Zeus / Picart

7 Wonders / Zeus / Picart
The statue was carved by the Greek sculptor Phidias around 435 BC from ivory. It was slowly destroyed by fire, floods, earthquakes and landslides

Background imageIvory Collection: Travel / Luggage

Travel / Luggage
A fitted travelling bag, lined with silk and with silver fittings and ivory brushes

Background imageIvory Collection: Pistols Breech-Loading

Pistols Breech-Loading
Breech-loading wheel-lock pistol, with an ivory stock - it was used in the time of Henry VIII




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"Ivory: A Tale of Elegance and Controversy" Ivory, a precious material with a rich history, has captivated civilizations for centuries. From the majestic ivory mask worn by the Oba of Benin during ceremonial occasions in Nigeria to the painted plaque depicting Tutankhamun and Ankhesenamun in an enchanting garden, it has been cherished as a symbol of beauty and power. In Africa's vast wilderness, a large African elephant gracefully feeds along the edge of the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park. Its magnificent tusks remind us of the allure that ivory holds. Walking beside this gentle giant are three more African elephants, forming an awe-inspiring line that echoes their ancient presence on this continent. The significance extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. Ancient Phoenician traders recognized its value and traded it across ports, connecting cultures through commerce. Even renowned artists like Sarah Goodridge immortalized its elegance in her masterpiece "Beauty Revealed, " showcasing how they are reveal true beauty. However, alongside admiration comes controversy. The burning fire consumes over 105 tonnes of confiscated ivory and one tonne of rhino horn—a powerful statement against illegal wildlife trade that threatens these magnificent creatures' existence. Yet amidst these conflicting narratives lies another tale from history—the intricate diptych featuring Stilicho on one side—an artifact crafted from exquisite ivory craftsmanship dating back centuries ago. Similarly, Ivory played a role even at royal weddings—like the iconic 1947 ceremony where bride and bridesmaid dresses exuded opulence fit for royalty. Beyond artistry and celebrations lie other intriguing uses for this remarkable material—a girl engrossed in reading while sitting before an oil painting titled "Girl Reading" showcases how even everyday objects can be transformed into works of art using delicate carved ivories as seen throughout history. Even firearms bear witness to the allure of ivory; such is evident in the cased Colt Dragoon Model 1848 revolver from England.