Origin
Camel bone is common today; old pieces may contain ivory.
Properties
- Pale and fine-grained
- Can yellow
- Legal limits apply to ivory
Preparation
Cut into thin strips or tiny elements for inlay.
Care & preservation
Ivory trade is regulated: check local law before buying antiques.
General guidance only. For valuable or fragile pieces, consult a qualified conservator before cleaning or treatment.
Used in these crafts
Khatamkari
A Persian inlay art in which fine rods of wood, bone and metal are bundled into star units, sliced into thin sheets and applied to a wooden surface to form dense geometric tessellation.
Bone and ivory carving
The carving of bone and, historically, ivory into figurines, plaques, combs and inlay elements, also used as a component in khatam.