Whale tooth

A sperm whale tooth engraved with four boats harpooning a sperm whale. The scene is entitled 'Crew of Japan killing a large whale'. The other side shows the carcass suspended alongside the ship while the blubber is removed entitled: 'Ship Japan cutting a large whale'. This type of sailor's craftwork is known as scrimshaw.

The 'Japan' was built on the Thames in 1831. She was London-owned and registered and 'Lloyd's Register' confirms that she was a whaler operating in the southern oceans.

Object Details

ID: AAA0026
Collection: Decorative art
Type: Whale tooth
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Vessels: Japan 1831
Date made: Mid 19th century
Exhibition: The Atlantic: Slavery, Trade, Empire; Trade and Commerce
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: 58 x 210 x 83 mm
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