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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.
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.
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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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