Rafael Osona's Annual Auction Catalog 2019 Rafael Osona Annual Auction 2017 | Page 83

175. FANTASTIC LARGE SIZE POLYCHROME, STIPPLED
AND SCRIMSHAW SPERM WHALE TOOTH, circa 1840-1860, a
portside view portrait of an American bark in full sail flying colors and pen-
nant, a mermaid with headdress, long flowing hair holding an arrow tied to
a banner “Let Sailors Be Obedient When Men of Worth Command”; the re-
verse vertical scene of an “Inn” with twin chimneys and picket fence above
an iron arbor surrounded by leaf stalks with kissing birds above the word
“Love”; the tips with four decorative wraparound borders and the base with
two decorative wraparound borders. This skillful engraver with his design
and execution was able to minimize the slight deformity of the tooth.
Height 7 ¾ in.
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