Gem and Ornamental

Figure 3.8 Detail of ivorg inlaid cabinet, with etched patcem. &&ah.fwenM cennuy.EarlyTREATMENT AND USESDependkg on the natural shape of the ivory being used, it an becawed into various objects such as 6gures, picturesl nemh andecclesiastical item^. It can be turned on a lathe to & items suchas round boxes or biUiard balls. Both cawing and turning have oftenbeen used on the same item.Ivory is usually polished after working, giving a beautiful and lastinglustre.Elephant ivory can be cut in a very thin layer by romting a piece oftusk @st a blade, and slicing it finely in longitudinal section. Thiswas used for inlay or piano keys.Thin strip of elephant ivory can be soaked in wter and gently bentinto a mmed ahape. Examplw of this are the sails in earvinga ofsailing ships (Fii. 3.7). Ivory cannot be moulded.Ivory can be used as an inlay, sometimes with a pattern etched intoit for fudm decoration (Fii. 3.8).Ivwy cm be inlaid with materials such as mother~f-pearl, cod,tortoiseshell or ebony. This ha8 been popular in Japan, where it isded work.With the exception of hippo ivoryl dl ivories an be s ~ e d Thi~ .is often wen in chess pieces or hife handles.