scrimshaw
/ˈskrɪmˌʃɔː/
noun
- The art or craft of carving or engraving designs on whale ivory, whalebone, or similar materials, traditionally done by sailors.
- Scrimshaw often features pictures of ships, whales, or sailors.
- The museum had a beautiful collection of 19th-century scrimshaw from whaling ships.
- He learned scrimshaw from his grandfather, who was a retired fisherman.
- An object, such as a tooth or a piece of bone, that has been decorated with scrimshaw carving.
- The sailor's scrimshaw showed a detailed image of a clipper ship.
- Collectors value scrimshaw for its historical and artistic significance.
- She bought an antique scrimshaw at the flea market for a very good price.
verb
- To carve or engrave designs on whale ivory, whalebone, or similar material.
- The artist uses a sharp knife to scrimshaw fine lines into the ivory.
- Sailors would scrimshaw whale teeth during long voyages to pass the time.
- He learned to scrimshaw intricate patterns on bone and antler.