Bidspirit auction | Scrimshaw Decorated Whale Bone Section

Scrimshaw Decorated Whale Bone Section Depicting Arctic Whaling Scenes Dated 1852 - A semi-cylindrical section of natural bone, decorated in the scrimshaw style with black pigment-filled engravings. The main scene depicts two three-masted sailing vessels under full sail navigating a choppy sea. In the foreground, two small whaleboats are seen near a spouting whale. A mountainous coastline is visible in the distance, and a large seabird, possibly an albatross, is shown in flight. The reverse side shows two large whales swimming, one spouting a plume of water. The entire decorated area is framed by a continuous border of a foliate pattern. The bone shows a naturally aged, off-white to yellowish patina. The underside reveals a porous, cancellous structure characteristic of large animal bone, likely whale bone. The piece contains inscribed text within decorative scrolls: 1852 and Arctic Ocean. Length: approximately 20.3 cm.