The Crafts & Hobbies Site

For centuries, elephant ivory was prized as a status symbol of the rich and famous. Across Siberia, where the remains of this ancient mammal are frequently found, mammoth ivory has been an article for trade for centuries. Mammoth ivory tusks easily reach 4.5-5 feet in length, leaving a substantial amount of material to work with, or, if left whole, an impressive wall hanging and conversation piece. Aficionados are familiar with different types and qualities of mammoth ivory. Bits of mammoth ivory can also be purchased in pieces and carved at home. Mammoth ivory dealers are often willing to seek out or trade specialty pieces upon request. Read the rest…

Before the carved Netsuke were created, the very first Netsuke were made of roots and twigs for the purpose of toggles. No matter the type of beautifully carved containers, it was the well crafted Netsuke toggle needed for security of the personal belongings being carried. The materials of metal would be used for accented types of Netsuke styles. Several other types of carving materials are coral, horn bill ivory clay, porcelain, lacquer and woven cane. The black coral and the helmeted horn bill ivory are used in Netsuke, they are rarely used compared to the other desired carving materials for Netsuke. Read the rest…

Netsuke developed as the toggle or fastener for the external pocket. It was positioned on top of the sash and over a period of time, the artist carved exquisite designs on them. When netsuke came into being, they were simple pieces and but later were carved out of ivory, wood, bones, coral and shell. Netsuke artists prefer this material due to the flexibility offered-soft yet firm, dense with growth rings and delicate to carve with, as it often chips and crumbles. Whale’s Teeth are another option that artists use to carve for netsuke. Netsuke artists prefer the smaller teeth and sculpt very pretty Netsuke. Read the rest…

Some of the tusk pieces are perfect for carving out knife and gun handles, scrimshaws, chess pieces, pool cues. Traders dealing with procurement and selling of mammoth ivory adhere to strict international standards and guidelines relating to the trade. The international trade in ivory had suffered a setback after the ban on elephant ivory but mammoth ivory is the only natural ivory that can replace elephant ivory due to near similar structure and texture. Generally, the male tusks are bigger, heavier and longer than the female tusks, while baby mammoth tusks are rare finds. Mammoth ivory is eco friendly, natural material that is in limited supply so buying a piece of ivory is like owning a piece of our past, when our ancestors roamed the regions with these Woolly creatures. Read the rest…