Hand Carved Figural Frame w 17th Century Carved Ivory Bas Relief Sculpture Portrait Miniature of a Knight
The spectacular 1700s Dieppe or perhaps German-carved portrait of a knight with helmet and plume is one from my personal collections of many decades, and it's time to downsize all of those. This one has restrictions as noted below, of course, being ivory. The portrait plaque is carved in a deep bas relief, fabulous appeal! I feel certain the hand carved wood plaque displaying it was carved later, early 19th century perhaps, to display the earlier ivory plaque. It has a Romanesque feel to it. Found in France, a rare fine piece, portrait in miniature and very early. Full measurements noted on the photos, but carved frame is 11" tall - impressive. Very good to excellent condition for age and type. Neither plaque nor frame have any chips or breaks. Faint natural age/shrinkage lines can be found on the ivory, which is to be expected. A hanging 'eye' mounted up top, ready to hang. IMPORTANT NOTE regarding antique tortoise shell or ivory: We are great supporters of protection for endangered