16 cm Vintage Sperm Whale Tooth

Description

Large 16 cm Vintage Sperm Whale Tooth – Carved and Sliced Display Piece

A remarkable large vintage Sperm Whale tooth measuring approximately 16 cm (6.3 inches) in length, featuring an elegant curved form, warm aged ivory coloration, and finely carved decorative detailing. This is an unusually substantial example, with a particularly attractive combination of natural whale tooth form and traditional decorative carving.

This 16 cm Vintage Sperm Whale Tooth has developed a beautiful warm cream to honey-colored patina, with subtle tonal variation visible across the polished surface. The natural curvature is pronounced and graceful, tapering toward the rounded tip and giving the piece an impressive sculptural presence.

The front of this 16 cm Vintage Sperm Whale Tooth has been artistically carved with an elaborate ornamental design. Several bands of flowing, symmetrical decoration wrap around the body, incorporating scroll-like motifs and curved geometric elements. At the center is a distinctive oval medallion surrounded by a contrasting decorative border, creating an attractive focal point. The carving is crisp and dimensional, with the recessed areas retaining slightly darker coloration that emphasizes the workmanship and age of the piece.

The upper portion retains the natural tooth character, including the characteristic irregularities and textural details around the root end. These features provide an interesting contrast to the smooth, highly polished exterior and demonstrate that the object retains much of the original natural form of the whale tooth rather than being carved from a simple block of ivory.

The reverse of. this 16 cm Vintage Sperm Whale Tooth presents a different and equally interesting appearance. The long, gently curved surface reveals natural longitudinal grain and variations in the ivory, along with subtle age-related coloration. Small natural inclusions and tonal variations are visible, adding character and helping demonstrate the organic nature of the material.

The piece is accompanied by a braided natural-fiber suspension cord, allowing it to be displayed or suspended as an exceptional maritime or ethnographic-style decorative object.

Highlights

• Material: Sperm Whale tooth / whale ivory
• Length: Approximately 16 cm (6.3 inches)
• Period: Vintage
• Form: Large, naturally curved whale tooth
• Finish: Smooth, polished surface with warm aged coloration
• Decoration: Elaborate hand-carved ornamental motifs and central medallion
• Reverse: Natural ivory grain, coloration, and age-related characteristics
• Presentation: Includes braided suspension cord
• Condition: Attractive vintage condition with natural variations, minor age-related characteristics, and evidence of its history

The combination of substantial size, natural curvature, aged ivory coloration, and detailed carving makes this 16 cm Vintage Sperm Whale Tooth an especially interesting collector’s piece. Unlike smaller whale-tooth carvings, its 16 cm scale gives it a commanding presence, while the decorative work adds considerable visual interest.

It would make an impressive addition to a collection of maritime antiques, historic whale-tooth carvings, ethnographic art, scrimshaw, or natural-history specimens. The contrasting views of the carved face and naturally grained reverse also make this a piece that rewards close examination from different angles.