A Brief History of Scrimshaw

A Brief History of Scrimshaw

Scrimshaw is a centuries-old engraving art that dates back to the late 18th century, when whalers etched intricate designs onto whale bones, ivory, and other natural materials. These sailors, spending months at sea, used simple tools to carve maritime scenes, wildlife, and personal stories into their materials, later filling the engravings with ink for contrast. […]

what is scrimshaw

what is scrimshaw

Scrimshaw is a traditional engraving art, originally practiced by sailors in the 18th and 19th centuries, who carved intricate designs into whale bone, ivory, and other materials. The etchings were then darkened with ink or pigment to enhance visibility. Today, scrimshaw remains a respected craft, often used on knife handles, jewelry, and collectibles. Modern artisans […]