Early 19th Century Hand Carved Ivory Brooch

Jewelry : Antique : Fine : Victorian

 

This is just a masterpiece! No doubt it was an artisans finest work! This is a very, very special ivory piece dating to the early to mid 1800's. As I began researching the history of hand carved ivory, I learned so much. In 1781, according to Jeanenne Bell, Antiques Roadshow expert, a count financed a school for carving ivory in Erbach, France. Pieces from this school were exhibited at the 1862 World's Fair. The popular theme of hunt scenes and animals was very popular and was carved/copied by artisans from all over the world. But the very finest were in France and Germany. The most renown carvers of that time were Ernst and Eduard Kehrer. Their pieces, though unmarked, are well known and are showcased in museums. Presented here is a museum quality piece.

A 2 1/4" x 1 3/4" piece of ivory has been so expertly hand carved that is appears to be three or more layers independently carved and stacked. But if you look very closely you'll see that all of that detail comes from a single piece. The graceful arch of the ivory lends itself to the curvature of ones neck or sash-line. The stag theme prevails in this piece. A resting stag or buck has a full rack of antlers so expertly carved that every point is precise. Please take a moment, even if you are not interested in purchasing this piece, just to appreciate how much skill went in to carving the legs of the does. Can you imagine how you would feel if you were the artist and accidentally cut through the leg? Goodness. A curtain of foliage drapes from above and a log and ferns ground the scene. Encased in a frame of scrolls and flourishes, this piece of artwork certainly deserves to be showcased in rococo detailing.

One of the most wonderful characteristics of antique ivory, other than the lasting durability, is the mellow patina that is acquires over time. Exposure to, not only air, but oils from skin, give a deeper, warmer color that you just don't get on more modern pieces. I am sure, by design, that the artist knew when he carved this piece, that the stag would someday take on this richness. The stag, the does and the the cartouches are the highest points on the piece. My thumb naturally padded these places, as did how many peoples over the last 150 or more years? The lightest parts of the brooch are in the draping foliage which is not naturally touched when the piece is handled.

The back of the brooch has a very, very elongated pin stem. It actually sticks out 1/2" beyond the frame. The hinge is a tube hinge and the clasp is a c-clasp. I did not test the metal content of this piece. Yes, gold oxidizes, especially 150 year old gold. But, again, I did not test so I make no claims.

I only delicately brushed this piece with a soft bristled brush. I did not use water or any chemicals as I did not want to compromise this museum quality piece in any way.

The condition is perfect! There is not a chip, crack or missing bit ANYWHERE on this piece. I have been over and over it. It's is as perfect as it gets. (I believe I have now talked myself in to keeping it. This is a piece that I actually called my children around to admire and, hopefully, appreciate, as they are not likely to ever see another one of this quality again.)

Item ID: 3952