Scrimshaw Globes: The Classic Earth in a Classic Medium

Nothing lends its form better to scrimshaw than the Earth. True scrimshaw globes are etched into ivory; however, true raw elephant ivory is very difficult--and normally illegal--to purchase in today’s market. To get around this substantial obstacle, scrimshaw artists often use substitute materials for their works.

Watermark Studios has produced some amazingly detailed scrimshaw globes by etching phenolic balls and accenting the lines with India ink. The globes are the size of cue balls and have a nice heavy feel. The material probably would not fool anyone who is familiar with true ivory; however, the quality of the engraving more than makes up for that minor weakness. Each of Watermark Studios’ scrimshaw globes is numbered and demonstrates fine craftsmanship.

Kurt Sperry of FineArtScrimshaw is a prominent scrimshaw artist who has made some remarkable scrimshaw globes from antique ivory billiard balls. Kurt Sperry’s scrimshaw globes have excellent detail, attractive colors, and show brilliant artistic taste. Kurt Sperry’s scrimshaw globes are truly spectacular works of art.