antique ivory

Antique Ivory pieces come from centuries of people cherishing these treasures.

Humans have been carving ivory for centuries, dating back to prehistoric times. Many people from many countries have carved ivory for a variety of reasons. Some were carved for religious purposes, some guarded the dead as they entered their next life, others were crafted as jewelry or personal ornamentation, some ivory became useful items and yet others were carved as enhancements for the home. Despite the broad time span, large geographic area and purpose of antique ivory carvings, they all originate from just a very few sources of ivory. They have mostly been carved from elephant tusks, sperm whale teeth, or walrus tusks.

Antique Ivory from Gannon's Antiques & Art

Antique Chinese Ivory is some of the oldest pieces found.

Very early ivory carvings have been found dating back to the Stone Age about 20,000 years ago. Carved ivory has also been found in ancient tombs in Egypt and China dating back to 3000 BC. The Romans, as far back as 500 AD made many religious items of carved ivory including fine ivory boxes, elaborate ivory panels and religious items. Remarkable ivory triptychs have been found from the Byzantine Era. Ivory carvings were very popular in China during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911).

Antique Chinese Ivory from Gannon's Antiques

Antique Chinese Ivory Emperor and Empress.

Here is an intricate pair of antique Chinese ivory hand carved pieces. This is a Chinese Emperor and Empress. Each piece measures five inches tall. They are very ornate and detailed.

Antique Ivory from Gannon's Antiques & Art

Ivory Antique Emperor the Dragon.

The Emperor has dragons carved into his throne and on his chest. In Chinese mythology the Dragon is associated wwith the Emperor.

Antique Ivory Chinese Emperor from Gannon's Antiques & Art

The Antique Chinese Emperor

As you can see, a dragon's face is carved into the Emperor's throne.

Antique Chinese Empress The Phoenix

The Empress has the phoenix carved into her throne. In Chinese mythology the Phoenix is associated with the Empress.

Antique Chinese Empress

The Empress has the phoenix carved into the back of her throne. As you can see this antique ivory piece is very ornate and well detailed.

Antique Ivory Chess Set and Backgammon Set

Ornate antique ivory chess set with hand carved pieces on one side with just as ornate antique ivory backgammon set on the other with hand carved pieces.

This is an amazing antique ivory chess & backgammon set complete with hand carved wood and ivory inlayed pieces covering the stunning gaming boards. Both of the sides have every inch finely detailed with incredible craftsmanship. Each of the pieces both for the chess and the backgammon have also been hand carved. This is one of the nicest sets to be sure.

Antique Ivory Miniature Portraits

Hand painted miniature portraits on antique ivory

We have a very collection of Antique Ivory Miniature Portraits at Gannon's Antiques. These are very beautiful portraits signed by the artist from over one hundred years ago.