Screech Owl Scrimshaw On Fossilized Walrus Ivory Appraisal

Screech Owl Scrimshaw on Fossilized Walrus Ivory

This decorative piece features a detailed scrimshaw engraving of a Great Horned or Screech Owl perched on a branch. The artwork is executed on a vertical slice of fossilized walrus ivory, characterized by its creamy to tan coloration and organic, rounded shape. The ivory shows a natural, aged patina with visible grain and slight mineral staining near the top edge, typical of fossilized marine specimens. The owl is rendered using fine stippling and cross-hatching techniques with black ink, demonstrating high-quality craftsmanship and attention to plumage detail. The ivory piece is mounted onto a rustic, unfinished stone or fossilized bone base, which provides a weighted and stable foundation. There is a visible artist signature at the bottom right of the engraving, which appears to read 'A. Cooper' or similar, dated '1981'. The condition appears excellent with no visible cracks or chips, preserved in a folk-art style common in the late 20th century. The piece measures approximately 4 to 6 inches in height including the base.