Organic (ivory, horn, etc.)
Europe
1750-1850
Ivory (elephant)
1959.0849.002
Object Number1959.0849.002 |
Candlestick
Organic (ivory, horn, etc.)
Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont
Europe
1750-1850
Ivory (elephant)
8.7 (H) , 4.1 (Diam)
22 (H) , 10.5 (Diam)
Ivory is a dense, smooth, hard, creamy-white material that was used in many craft traditions to create countless arts and luxury items, such as needlework tools, billiard balls, umbrella handles, piano keys, and even scientific instruments. Elephant tusk ivory specifically has an enduring and wide-ranging geographic history. It was coveted by ancient Mesopotamian leaders and Ethiopian kings, and desired by African, Asian and European rulers and artists. Ivory supply was limited until the 17th century when European and Arab slave trades opened up ports and resource chains. The rum and molasses trade was very much entangled in and powered by African resources of gold, ivory, and enslaved people. By 1860, American city directories listed professional ivory brokers and merchants, ivory carvers, cutters, turners, and toy makers. Ivory was so desirable, that for the year 1870 global consumption was about 2 million pounds, whether for Chinese carvings, Indian bangles, or American piano keyboards.
This candlestick is made of ivory with a spiral stem and tulip-shaped top. It is a pair with candlestick 1959.0849.001.