Ivory has been used in art and cultural objects for millennia, prized for its beauty, durability, and rarity. However, due to the illegal trade of ivory and concerns over animal welfare, the sale and purchase of ivory items have been restricted or banned in many countries. Despite this, antique ivory collectibles continue to fascinate collectors and enthusiasts around the world.

In this article, we will explore ten rare and valuable antique ivory collectibles that every collector should know.

1. Chinese Carved Ivory Puzzle Ball

Chinese ivory puzzle balls are intricately carved spheres made from a single piece of ivory. They are made up of multiple layers of concentric spheres, each carved with delicate patterns and designs. The puzzle lies in the fact that the spheres are nested inside each other, and the challenge is to find and extract the smallest sphere without damaging the others. These puzzle balls were popular during the Qing Dynasty and are highly valued by collectors today.

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2. Japanese Netsuke

Netsuke are small, ornate objects traditionally used as toggles on clothing to hold small items such as medicine boxes or tobacco pouches. They were particularly popular in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1867) and were often made from ivory. Netsuke are intricately carved and can depict a wide variety of subjects, often with great attention to detail. The value of a netsuke depends on its quality, condition, and rarity.

3. African Tribal Masks

African tribal masks have been used for centuries in ritual and ceremonial settings. Many masks were made from ivory, which was considered a sacred material. Ivory masks from Africa are rare and highly sought after by collectors. The value of an ivory mask depends on its age, provenance, and the quality of the carving.

4. European Carved Ivory Chess Sets

Ivory chess sets were popular in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries. They were often finely carved with intricate details and designs. Due to the rarity of ivory and the skill required to carve it, antique ivory chess sets are now highly valued by collectors. The value of a set depends on its age, condition, and rarity.

5. Indian Carved Ivory Figures

Ivory carving has a long history in India, dating back to the Mughal period (1526-1858). Indian carved ivory figures often depict animals, gods, or scenes from mythology. They are intricately detailed and often embellished with precious stones or gold. Due to their rarity and quality, antique Indian carved ivory figures are highly valued by collectors.

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6. Art Deco Ivory Statues

Art Deco was a popular art movement in the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by its sleek, streamlined designs. Many Art Deco statues were made from ivory and were often highly stylized and abstract. Antique Art Deco ivory statues are now rare and valuable collector's items.

7. Napoleonic Prisoner-of-War Ivory Ship Models

During the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815), French prisoners of war made intricate ship models from ivory and bone as a way to pass the time. These models were often highly detailed and included movable parts such as sails and rigging. Due to their rarity and historical significance, antique Napoleonic prisoner-of-war ivory ship models are highly valued by collectors.

8. Antique Ivory Fans

Ivory fans were popular among European aristocracy during the 18th and 19th centuries. They were often finely carved and embellished with precious stones or intricate designs. Antique ivory fans are now rare and valuable collector's items, with the value depending on their age, condition, and rarity.

9. Persian Carved Ivory Mirror Cases

Persian ivory mirror cases were popular during the Safavid period (1501-1736) and were often highly decorative. They were used to hold mirrors and were often intricately carved with floral patterns, animals, and human figures. Antique Persian carved ivory mirror cases are now rare and valuable collector's items.

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10. American Carved Ivory Walking Sticks

During the 19th century, ivory walking sticks were popular among American gentlemen. They were often carved with intricate designs or embellished with precious stones. Antique American carved ivory walking sticks are now rare and valuable collector's items.

In conclusion, antique ivory collectibles continue to fascinate collectors and enthusiasts around the world. While the sale and purchase of ivory items are restricted or banned in many countries, antique ivory items can provide insight into the art, culture, and history of past civilizations. The ten rare and valuable antique ivory collectibles discussed in this article are just a few examples of the beauty, rarity, and historical significance of these objects.

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