Best Ivory

The Lion-Man of Hohlenstein-Stadel is a carved mammoth ivory figurine discovered in a German cave dating back approximately 40,000 years. It represents a human figure with a leonine head, making it one of the oldest known examples of figurative sculpture. The artifact’s age and sophisticated craftsm...

Late Roman ivory diptych (c. 400 AD) made for the pagan aristocratic Symmachi and Nicomachi families, among the finest surviving examples of late antique ivory carving, now split between London and Paris.

This ivory figurine, discovered at Hohle Fels cave in Germany, represents one of the oldest known examples of figurative art created by humans. Crafted approximately 40,000 years ago during the Paleolithic period, it depicts a female form and is notable for its age and significance in understanding...

The Queen Idia Mask is a significant relic originating from the Edo people of Benin, Nigeria. Crafted from ivory, it represents Queen Mother Idia, who lived during the 16th century. The mask was used in royal court ceremonies to honor her legacy and mark her status as a powerful spiritual figure. It...

The Diptych of Empress Ariadne is an early Byzantine ivory carving dating to approximately 500 CE, currently housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. It portrays Ariadne, the Byzantine empress consort to Emperors Zeno and Anastasius I, standing in an imperial posture. The two-paneled artwor...

The Grandison Diptych is an English Gothic ivory devotional carving dating to the early 14th century, associated with Bishop John de Grandison of Exeter (died 1369). Ivory diptychs of this type served as personal devotional objects for wealthy clerics and lay worshippers in late medieval Europe. The...

This 6th-century ivory panel, known as the Barberini Ivory, offers a unique glimpse into late-antique Byzantine culture. Crafted from ivory, it likely depicts an imperial procession or triumph, representing one of the few surviving examples of such imagery from that era. The piece’s exceptional pres...

This ivory diptych, dating to approximately 400 AD, represents a scene of pagan sacrifice from the Roman Empire. Crafted during the Late Roman period, it offers a rare glimpse into religious practices and artistic styles of the time. The work is notable for its technical skill and reflects evolving...

This ancient Egyptian knife originates from Gebel el-Arak, a site in Lower Egypt dating to the Predynastic Period (c. 3500-3100 BC). Crafted from flint and featuring an ivory handle, it is notable for its sophisticated Mesopotamian-influenced relief carvings – a rare example of artistic exchange bet...

Gothic portable devotional diptych associated with J.P. Morgan's collection, likely of French origin and dating to the 14th century, with panels depicting religious narrative scenes.

Roman consular ivory diptych (417 AD) commemorating the consulship of Constantius III, the powerful general under Emperor Honorius who briefly served as co-emperor in 421 AD.

The Soissons Diptych is a 9th-century Carolingian ivory relief carving recognized as a significant example of early medieval art. Created during the reign of Charles the Bald, it consists of two panels that are currently divided between the Musée de Soissons in France and the Victoria and Albert Mus...

Roman consular ivory diptych (c. 449 AD) issued to commemorate the consulship of Astyrius, exemplifying the luxury ivory gift tradition maintained by late Roman consuls upon entering office.

Roman consular ivory diptych (525 AD) marking the consulship of Philoxenus, one of the last known examples of the late Roman tradition of ivory tablets distributed by newly appointed consuls.

The Diptych of Stilicho is a carved ivory diptych made around AD 400 and associated with the late Roman general Stilicho. Its panels depict a high-ranking military man, an elaborately dressed woman, and a boy, commonly identified as Stilicho, his wife Serena, and their son Eucherius. Preserved in Mo...

Diptych of the Deposition and Resurrection is a devotional panel painting pairing Christ's removal from the cross with his rising from the tomb, a standard altarpiece format.

The Diptych of Boethius is a late 5th-century consular ivory diptych originating from the Western Roman Empire. It was created to commemorate the consulship of Boethius in 487 AD, serving as an official administrative announcement distributed to allies and the empire. Carved across two hinged panels...

The Diptych of Aspar is a 434 AD consular diptych from the Eastern Roman Empire, notable for depicting the magister militum Flavius Aspar in full attire.

The Diptych of Areobindus is a Byzantine consular ivory diptych made in 506 to commemorate the consulship of Flavius Areobindus Dagalaiphus Areobindus at Constantinople. Its carved panels depict the consul presiding over public games, an established subject for ceremonial objects distributed by newl...

The Diptych of Probus is a late Roman carved ivory diptych associated with the consul Anicius Petronius Probus and dated to 406. Its surviving panels depict the emperor Honorius in military dress, holding imperial attributes, while inscriptions identify Probus and express loyalty to the emperor. Pre...

The Diptych of Clementinus is a Byzantine consular diptych carved from ivory in the year 513 AD. Originating from Constantinople, it was created to commemorate Clementinus, who served as the consul for the year. The surviving panel depicts the consul seated beneath a baldachin, presiding over the ga...

The Diptych of Orestes is a 530 AD Byzantine consular ivory panel, notable for depicting the consul Orestes and serving as a historical record of the era.

The Diptych of the Lampadii is a late Roman carved ivory artifact originating from Late Antiquity, typically dated to the late fourth or early fifth century. It consists of two hinged panels featuring intricate relief sculptures. The diptych is noted for its classical portraiture and serves as an ex...

The Diptych of Felix is a 5th-century consular ivory diptych from the Roman Empire, notable for depicting Consul Felix and offering historical documentation.