Hello,

Your item is a carved ivory tusk, featuring a central relief of dragons, a motif traditionally associated with power, strength, and protection in Chinese culture. The tusk measures 29 inches tall and 3 inches at the base. The provenance states that the item was inherited from a family with origins in Taiwan, though the specific craftsman or workshop responsible for the carving remains unidentified.

Historical Context

Carved ivory tusks have a long tradition in East Asian art, particularly in China and Japan, where skilled artisans produced intricate relief carvings depicting mythical creatures, floral motifs, or historical scenes. In Chinese tradition, dragons are powerful symbols of imperial authority, associated with the emperor and divine protection. The use of ivory in decorative arts dates back to ancient dynasties, such as the Shang and Zhou periods (c. 1600–256 BCE), where it was used for ritual objects, seals, and luxury goods. By the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), ivory carving had reached an artistic peak, with artisans crafting elaborate sculptures, puzzle balls, and decorative tusks for the elite.

Market Value & Considerations

Due to strict international regulations on ivory trade, including the CITES ban (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), the market for carved ivory is highly restricted. In most regions, the sale of modern ivory is illegal, while antique ivory (pre-1947 in some countries, pre-1975 in others) may be sold with proper documentation.