Abstract:

Here, for the first time, is a general survey of ancient ivory work, of value to both the general reader and the specialist. The finds discussed in this volume come from a wide extent of countries from Spain to India and range in date from the late Chalcolithic period up to the establishment of the Byzantine empire. Topics explored include the elephant and ivory working, ivory workers, workshops, guilds, trade, and prices. The text features photographs (including many rare ones) of nearly 300 ivory objects, as well as line drawings and maps.