Ivory?

Is this an ivory piece?
It seems to have the signature of the artist (carved).
Thank you for your assistance.

 

I see no evidence of grain, so...I'm thinking no.

 

Hi,
It is likely resin. I believe I have seen this form many times. The way you can determine is with a hot pin test. In an indiscriminate place, heat a needle tip with a lighter until glowing red and push into the object. If it is ivory it will not melt, if it is resin it will.
Happy day, Steve

 

Welcome, @Noahelge.

I agree that your figure is probably resin (synthetic plastic).

Please do not use the "hot pin" test. Some vintage plastics are extremely flammable, and you may find yourself in a dangerous situation. There are better ways to identify ivory. You can find links to some references on ivory here:

https://www.antiquers.com/threads/ivory-references.69023/

 

the only thing to use a hot pin on....is a boil !

 

Used this method for 30 years never had a problem.

 

c'mon.....that doesn't mean it's the proper way to test for ivory..!

it only means you've been lucky not getting hurt....

 

DISCLAIMER: PLEASE hold HOT pin with pliers, NOT your fingers!

 

We have had this discussion many times before. If there is a non-destructive way to identify a material, that should be the first option.

 

No it means use it carefully. In my life I've never seen or heard of spontaneous combustion by using the pin method.

 

as u wish......

 

I know from experience (non-antique or vintage!) that plastics can burn. Maybe not spontaneous, but heat-induced like from a hot pin, yes. Celluloid, for instance, burns like a bushfire in an Australian summer. Many older ivory lookalikes were made from celluloid.

When it comes to antique or vintage items, knowledge is so much more important than damage.
The first question is, does a piece have any of the characteristics of ivory or bone? Knowledge tells you this one doesn't.
The second is, has this style ever been made in ivory or bone? Knowledge tells you it hasn't. It is a mid-century Italian style Orientalist resin figurine. These are always resin.

Not everyone has experience and no one knows everything. That is why @Noahelge made the right decision to ask here.

As for fellow members, a word of advice:
If you don't recognize an item, whether it be the material or the style, it is good to wait for a member who does before advising damage. We have so many knowledgeable members. And after all, damage is never good, and it will lower the value.
Most collectors have loups, and damage in an inconspicuous place will be found by a collector. And yes, there are collectors of these Orientalist resin pieces.

 

Hot pins are the work of Satan.