Rafael Osona's Annual Auction Catalog 2019 2016 | Page 31
98. EXCEEDLINGLY RARE AND SOPHISTICATED
POLYCHROME SCRIMSHAW WALRUS IVORY AND
BALEEN CORSET BUSK, mid 19th century, finely executed by
a highly skilled artisan, the double arched top scribed with amatory
motifs (torch, bow and arrows, billing doves) and conjoined hearts
inlay of baleen above four engraved pictorial registers depicting a
British warship between two fashionable beauties and flower filled
urn, engraved overall with stylized floral garlands. The baleen
verso engraved with five registers, viz., a fashionable beauty
centering depictions of warships and flower filled urns.
Length 14 ½ in. Width 1 ¾ in.
28