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Lot 8097
Owl Tusk Carving
4 December 2005, 11:00 PST
Los AngelesUS$5,000 - US$7,000
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Designed by Lee Downey
Bali, Indonesia
Excavated by indigenous peoples of the Bering Sea coast, fossil walrus ivory derives its color from the minerals present in the permafrost in which it lay buried for 500 to 8,000 years. Its color variations, ranging from light cream to rich, deep brown, are often creatively exploited by the artist to achieve cameo-like effects and dramatic contrast. Assembled from more than one tusk, the present work features a highly detailed representation of an owl carved of highly desirable darker-toned ivory. Twelve smaller owls peep from the surface of both sides. Artfully inlaid portions of polished amber and dark, polished tusk provide tonal and textural contrast. Natural outer tusk texture is seen at the lower tip. Displayed on a decorative custom jet base with carved fossil ivory inlays. Offered in a fitted, velvet-lined Balinese box. Height, with base, measures 17in
Bali, Indonesia
Excavated by indigenous peoples of the Bering Sea coast, fossil walrus ivory derives its color from the minerals present in the permafrost in which it lay buried for 500 to 8,000 years. Its color variations, ranging from light cream to rich, deep brown, are often creatively exploited by the artist to achieve cameo-like effects and dramatic contrast. Assembled from more than one tusk, the present work features a highly detailed representation of an owl carved of highly desirable darker-toned ivory. Twelve smaller owls peep from the surface of both sides. Artfully inlaid portions of polished amber and dark, polished tusk provide tonal and textural contrast. Natural outer tusk texture is seen at the lower tip. Displayed on a decorative custom jet base with carved fossil ivory inlays. Offered in a fitted, velvet-lined Balinese box. Height, with base, measures 17in