In my collections for decades, it's hard to let all these museum pieces go, but it's time. This is a superb hand carved ivory9 1/4" (tallest) and 5" widest Christ, complete with the original frame, both early to mid 1700s. While there is loss to one hand, the rest of the Christ figure (Jansonite) is exceptional, anatomically exquisite and the face filled with emotion. The old Notre Dame (Paris) collection and that of the Vatican Museum are in league with this spectacular alter cross. I think that every time I visited each. We truly have had exquisite museum pieces over the decades. Now these are impossible for us to deal in, and as noted, I've had this one for at least 30 years. Restrictions will apply*. Full measurements noted on the photos. It is my last large one. Don't miss it.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. An exceptional original, and while the old silk velvet fabric backing has lost its nap (around 300 years old, remember), the frame has fared remarkably well. Most would have breaks and losses to the sculpted ornamental frame. Original Christ on original cross, crossed bones below and plaque above. His only flaw is that one hand is damaged. This is very little loss by comparison to most we've had and sold I the last 40 years. Even the original paper back and hanging hardware remain. A rare work of art!
*IMPORTANT NOTE regarding antique tortoise shell or ivory: We are great supporters of protection for endangered species in our modern world. We never buy or sell anything 100 years or newer; we donate to anti-poaching organizations; we don't hunt; we conserve in ways that impact global warming (we're totally solar at home), knowing those measures also protect the animals in the wild today. We also recognize the vast cultural history we preserve with our care and reverence for these antique objects, and agree with CITES that objects over 100 years of age have nothing whatsoever to do with species depletion in our current world.
Our offering exceeds the age limitation of "more than 100 years of age", and is well within the exemption for CITES regulation. If imported, met the CITES regulation. This item will be handled and shipped from our Utah business, and is not available for shipment internationally, nor within the USA to California, NY, Nevada, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington if it contains ivory, sorry. Please see our small print for more details.
