Sculpture techniques: ivory carving

The Descent from the Cross, about 1400–20. Museum no. 605-1902

Ivory is the dense, hard, creamy white substance that forms the tusks of mammals, though the term is also used for other similar materials. For centuries it has been highly valued by craftsmen and patrons alike for use in religious and secular objects.

The main source of ivory is elephant tusks from North Africa and India. The tusks of the Atlantic walrus and whalebone from the Finner whale have been popular in western and northern Europe since the 10th century. Animal bones were used by the Embriachi workshop in northern Italy during the 15th century.

The structure of ivory varies from one species of animal to another. Elephant tusks grow outward in successive layers and have a conical interior cavity (the 'pulp cavity'). This extends into a very small nerve running the length of the tusk. African ivory tusks can grow as long as two metres.

Scene in a Bath House By a follower of Leonhard Kern (1588-1663) Southern Germany About 1650 Elephant Ivory Museum no. A.42-1949 Given by Dr W.L. Hildburgh FSA

The Adoration of the Magi and the Presentation From a book cover France (Metz) About 900 Elephant ivory Museum no. 150-1866

Tankard with Scenes of Lot and his Daughters Master B.G. (Balthasar Griessmann) (about 1620-1706) Germany About 1680-1700 Ivory Museum no. A.212-1969

The Two Maries at the Sepulchre Probably from an altarpiece France (Paris) About 1320-40 Elephant ivory Museum no. A.99-1927 Given by Mr H.B. Harris, through the National Art Collections Fund