Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Ivory Clam Shell Carving
Artifact IDMO 1941.5.32
Object Type
Carving
Artist
Unknown
Dateca. early 20th century
Mediumivory, wood (ebony)
Dimensionsoverall (sculpture on stand) H 3 in x W 4 1/4 in x D 2 3/4 in (7.6 cm x 10.8 cm x 7 cm )
object (sculpture) H 1 1/2 in x W 3 5/8 in x D 2 1/4 in (3.8 cm x 9.2 cm x 5.7 cm )
Physical DescriptionA small, delicate, ivory carving, most likely made in China, in the shape of a partially open clam shell. Seen inside the clam shell is a carved ivory scene of four horse-mounted Chinese warriors in action and a tree to the left. On the surface of the shell is a carved crab. An adhesive sticker on the underside of the shell has the typed number: D-28-18.object (sculpture) H 1 1/2 in x W 3 5/8 in x D 2 1/4 in (3.8 cm x 9.2 cm x 5.7 cm )
The shell rests unattached on a small, round, carved ebony stand designed to resemble a stacked pile of shells. An adhesive sticker on the underside of the stand has the typed number: D-28-3.
Historical NoteMuseum records for this carving indicate it may have been given to Franklin D. Roosevelt by a Chinese banker in New York City.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDeposited at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Franklin D. Roosevelt on July 20, 1940. It was donated as a bequest of FDR to the Library in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
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