Elephant Ivory Napkin Ring with Wooden Base
Decorative art, household object • Anonymous artisan, likely Colonial West African or French manufacture for the colonial market
Style & Movement
Art Deco influence with Colonial/Ethnographic utility
Medium & Technique
Carved elephant ivory and wood. The piece is hand-carved to a semi-cylindrical form with a central raised vertical spine.
Creation Period
Early to mid-20th century (circa 1920-1950)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 5cm x 4cm; miniature sculptural format
Subject Description
A utilitarian napkin ring or holder crafted from genuine ivory. The form features a streamlined, bowed profile with minimalist decorative ridges, mounted to a protective wooden rectangular base which suggests it may have been used as a table stand or part of a vanity set.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the ivory shows characteristic yellowing consistent with age and exposure to UV light.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD (subject to legal restrictions)
Auction Estimate
$40 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired as a colonial souvenir or through the luxury domestic goods trade in the early 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the historical intersection of functional decorative arts and the global ivory trade during the colonial era; it reflects the pre-CITES demand for ivory in domestic European and American households.
Notable Features
Distinctive Schreger lines (cross-hatching) typical of elephant ivory are visible on the surface. The attachment to a wooden plinth is an unusual characteristic for a standard napkin ring, suggesting specialized tabletop use.
Condition Issues
Visible surface yellowing (natural patina), minor surface abrasions, and potential micro-cracking (checking) at the edges due to humidity fluctuations.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a stable temperature and humidity environment. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent further yellowing. Do not clean with water or chemical solvents; use a dry, soft microfiber cloth.
Collector Notes
Ivoire