Chinese Carved Ivory Card Case Value Guide

These 19th-century Chinese carved ivory card cases represent the pinnacle of Canton export artistry, designed specifically for the Western elite to carry social calling cards. Each piece is a masterpiece of micro-carving, featuring high-relief village scenes that showcase the incredible technical skill of Qing Dynasty artisans.

What Is Chinese Carved Ivory Card Case Worth?

The typical price range for Chinese Carved Ivory Card Case is $800 - $1,000 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The complexity and depth of the 'village scene' carving significantly impact the $800-$1000 valuation.
• Physical condition is critical, as ivory is prone to hairline cracks (age lines) and chips in the delicate high-relief areas.
• Provenance and documentation are essential for legal sale due to international trade regulations on antique ivory.
• The presence of a 'vacant' or 'monogrammed' shield on the case can influence desirability among specific collectors.

How to Identify Chinese Carved Ivory Card Case?

• Examine the depth of the relief carving, which should feature multi-layered architectural details and figures characteristic of Canton workshops.
• Look for the presence of Schreger lines (cross-hatching patterns) visible under magnification to confirm the material is genuine elephant ivory.
• Check the fit of the friction-fit lid; authentic 19th-century cases were precision-carved to slide smoothly without modern hinges.
• Identify traditional Chinese motifs such as pagodas, pine trees, and figures in scholars' robes set within a dense landscape.

History of Chinese Carved Ivory Card Case

These exquisitely carved ivory card cases were a popular luxury item in 19th-century China, particularly from the workshops of Canton. They were often crafted for export to Western markets, where they were highly prized for their delicate artistry and exotic appeal. These cases served a practical purpose for carrying calling cards, a social custom prevalent in polite society during that era, and also functioned as decorative objects showcasing the exceptional skill of Chinese artisans.