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Real nice ivory carving that i recieved from my grandmother. She purchased this on a trip to china in 1975. I am wondering what it may be worth and how to sell it?

Dear Aaron,

This is what is called an equestrian emperor (usually 2 pieces with an equestrian empress). Some larger, intricate pieces regularly bring several thousand dollars at auction. However, I am skeptical that your piece is genuine ivory. It appears to be cast resin of some sort considering I see no ivory grain present and the color is far too uniform. A photo of the bottom would be the most telling.

I hate to be pessimistic, but in lieu of seeing any closeups, seeing the bottom, or seeing the size listed, I am doubtful that this piece is ivory.

Going by the shape, in relation to the size of the manilla folder it rests upon, it seems unlikely to have been carved from a tusk.

However if some closeups reveal it was carved from multiple pieces, and it displays Schreger lines, the visual artifacts that are evident in the cross-sections of ivory, I will gladly revise my a comments.

The white material seems more likely to be a faux ivory plastic composite material, than ivory.

Age would probably be correct at ca. 1975.

Cheers
Gman

This piece seems to lack detail, so looks more like some type of cast figure than a traditional Chinese ivory carving. Perhaps you should have it examined by an expert.

Best regards,

Bill H.

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