How to Fix Split Ivory
- Step 1. Slide on work gloves, a dust mask and safety glasses to protect your skin, lungs and eyes.
- Step 2. Fit the broken or split piece of ivory together. Save any large chunks that may have broken off to use in the...
- Step 3. Measure and cut a piece of 0.0046-inch fiberglass cloth to fit on the back of the ivory -- fully covering the...
Can a broken ivory figure be repaired?
Here is an example of a recent repair of a broken ivory figure. Below is a picture of a Maharaja circa 1800, three inches high missing a hand. This ivory maharajah was finely carved in around 1800 in India and is of the Sikh religion and is probably Ranjit Singh.
How should I care for my ivory object?
If these are not available, wash your hands first with soap and water to remove hand oils and dirt. The best protection for an ivory object is a carefully controlled environment, both in terms of telative humidity (RH) and temperature.
Can split ivory be saved?
Repairs are essential in order to save split ivory. The main reason to take on a repair is to mitigate the cost of replacement. While prices for individual pieces of ivory may vary, prices are usually elevated due to high demand. An entire ivory tusk, according to "60 Minutes," was worth in excess of $4,000 on the global market in December 2008.
Is the restoration of antique ivory worth it?
Its legs were broken and its front antenni have been replaced, the restoration of ivory is a little bit of controversial subject at the moment but that is partly because people like Mr Goad don't seem to be aware that the sale and restoration of antique items of ivory will not stop rich people from killing elephants. lost wax or investment casting.
How do you glue broken ivory?
White glue, such as Elmer's, works in most cases, but epoxy works better for inserting ivory into flat grain wood. If the ivory and the object you would like to glue the ivory to are both smooth, CA glues work well. PVA resin glue works on most projects and tends to be stronger than white glue.
Can you repair ivory?
Ivory can be seamlessly restored, in a similar way to ceramics or fine bone china. The conservator will first clean the object with a tailor-made solution to ensure it meets the needs of the piece and does not put it in any danger.
Can cracked ivory be repaired?
Cracks in ivory can be minimized, and in some cases they can be repaired almost to the point of invisibility, but no one can guarantee a totally invisible ivory crack repair.
How do you restore old ivory?
Cut a lemon cleanly in half on a cutting board, using a sharp knife. ... Hold a lemon half in your hand and use the salted, exposed side to scrub your yellowed ivory item. ... Set the ivory item to the side to air dry. ... Soak a soft cloth in clean water and wring out the excess. ... Repeat the procedure if necessary.
Does ivory crack with age?
Ivory tends to yellow and split in the direction of the growth pattern over time, much like wood, the cracks often blackening with age.
How do you drill ivory?
2:134:52Drilling Mammoth Ivory - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen you have down in your inner drill bit okay. You can use that you know they're your fingernailMoreThen you have down in your inner drill bit okay. You can use that you know they're your fingernail on these little bitty bits.
What causes ivory to crack?
Ivory tends to shrink, swell, crack, split, and/or warp on exposure to extremes or fluctuations in relative humidity and temperature. Low relative humidity causes desiccation, shrinkage and cracking, while high relative humidity can cause warping and swelling.
How much is vintage ivory worth?
The price currently paid for raw ivory is between $597 per kg and $689 per kg. Meanwhile, a single pound of ivory can sell for $3,300 and $200 an ounce. What is this?
How can you tell if it is real ivory?
The test consists of heating up the point of a needle until it's red-hot and then pricking what you believe is your ivory carving. If the needle goes in, it's plastic; if not, it's probably ivory, or at least bone.
Is selling old ivory legal?
The State of California Department of Fish and Game is ACTIVELY raiding auction houses and antique shows, confiscating ivory. It is now illegal to sell or have the intent to sell ANY IVORY within the State of California or to sell it to any bidders within the State of California REGARDLESS OF THE AGE of the ivory.
How do you tell the difference between ivory and bone?
Ivory and bone The main structural difference between the two is that ivory has no marrow or blood vessel system. It is essentially tooth material. It is usually whiter, harder, denser, and heavier than bone.
What is ivory worth?
That's a lot of money in most African countries. But the big profit is made in Asia. Thai Customs recently evaluated smuggled ivory as being worth $1,800 per kilogram—$18,000 per elephant—wholesale. The “street value” retail price of 10 kilograms of carved ivory now runs about $60,000.
How do I work with ivory?
It is best to keep ivory at a comfortable human temperature and at 40% humidity. Craftsmen should purchase a humidifier for their work area should they desire to work ivory with success in dry climates. Ivory has grain much like wood but it has the density of a soft metal. The material needs to be aged and seasoned.
How do you clean ivory keyboards?
0:042:09How to Clean Ivory Piano Keys - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI use rubbing alcohol i saturate a piece of paper towel with rubbing alcohol. And I wifes until theMoreI use rubbing alcohol i saturate a piece of paper towel with rubbing alcohol. And I wifes until the dirt is off I lightly do the black keys.
For the restoration of the subject below we had to remake missing hands, sections of rope and repair a broken hat all these repairs had to be undertaken in a fashion so that they cannot be observed by the human eye
The photograph below you can see the result of the finished carving, twigs from the basket were made hands and feet were made and the subjects were glued to the base.
18th century Chinese junk
We were asked to undertake the restoration of a fine 18th-century Chinese junk we received a pile of bits with many sections of ivory missing, as ivory is becoming rather a taboo subject around the world, and of course we don't want to see any more elephants killed, therefore we have to be very careful to source old ivory for the restoration work.
14th Century Romanesque Slate Table
This rather fine 14th century Romanesque slate table which would originally have been part of a floor in a rather grandiose Italian villa.
Very early 19th century ivory Indian figure
We are sometimes asked to undertake repairs on small ivory items. Unless you can provides us with old ivory that we can use, we will need to use a substitute. Here is an example of a recent repair of a broken ivory figure.
What is ivory made of?
The term ivory refers to items made from walrus, hippopotamus, whale or elephant tusks or teeth. Ivory collectibles are usually composed of ivory plus a vegetable material with a similar density and texture.
What is ivory collectible?
Ivory collectibles are items that can surprise you after the initial grime is removed. Many of these items feature traces of gilding or paint that have worn over the years. To ensure your ivory collectibles are handled with care, trust Dean Schulefand & Associates with restoring and conserving your ivory collectibles.
Is ivory jewelry brittle?
Overcleaning, incorrect cleaning and no cleaning can all damage these items. Over time, ivory items tend to get very brittle, so they must be handled with care.
Why does ivory bleach?
Ivory is very reactive to its environment. It bleaches when exposed to light but the most severe changes are linked to changes in relative humidity and temperature. Low relative humidity causes desiccation, shrinkage and cracking, while high relative humidity can cause warping and swelling.
What is the best temperature for ivory?
The best protection for an ivory object is a carefully controlled environment, both in terms of telative humidity (RH) and temperature. Ideal conditions are 45-55 % RH and approximately 70° F (21.11°C), with low light levels, at approximately 5 footcandles. Conditions should be kept constant; at the least, extreme conditions or rapid fluctuations should be avoided.
What is ivory made of?
It consists of dentine, made up of components which are both organic (to provide the capacity for growth and repair) and inorganic (to provide rigidity and strength).
Can ivory be yellowed?
Avoid using rubber-based materials for storage or packing as these can produce unnatural yellowing of ivory. For additional protection, the artifact may be wrapped in unbuffered, acid-free tissue paper, and stored in a sealed polyethylene (ziplock-type) bag.
Can ivory be stained?
Because it is porous, ivory is also susceptible to staining. It darkens in contact with the skin or oils and can be stained by corroding metals or other colored materials. Many liquids, including water and cleaning solutions, are destructive to ivory and should be avoided.
