Antique Ivory Bagpiper Sculpture. Certificate. Central Europe, c. 1850-1890.

Antique Central European Ivory Bagpiper. With Certificate. Late 19th Century

Magnificent ivory sculpture of a European folk musician playing the bagpipes. This is a fully rounded figure, masterfully carved in Central Europe, dated to the second half of the 19th century, approximately 1850 to 1890. It likely originates from regions with a strong sculptural tradition such as Germany, Austria, Tyrol, or Switzerland, where such folk figures were widely popular among the bourgeois collectors of the time.

The figure, standing nearly 30 cm tall, depicts a bagpiper on a turned ivory base serving as an elegant pedestal. The musician, romantic and expressive, wears traditional Central European folk attire: wide-brimmed hat with feather, short cape, puffed blouse, gathered breeches, and rustic footwear. He holds the bagpipes with both hands, the pipes clearly visible on his back. The musician is shown mid-performance, blowing air into the instrument through a mouthpiece. A shoulder bag completes the ensemble.

The carving quality is outstanding. The facial features are finely detailed and naturalistic, with almond-shaped eyes, a well-defined nose, and lips engaged in playing. The hands are meticulously sculpted, and the folds of the garments flow naturally and with volume. The ivory displays a beautiful uniform, smooth patina that attests to its age. The Schreger lines are clearly visible on the polished surfaces, confirming it was carved from genuine elephant ivory.

The sculpture is in very good condition. No fractures or restorations are visible. Only minor surface marks and the typical natural imperfections of carved ivory are present, adding charm and authenticity. The ivory base is complete and without losses.

This piece comes with an official certificate issued by the Spanish Federation of Antique Dealers, confirming it was made prior to 1947, in compliance with current EU CITES regulations. This official documentation is a key added value for serious ivory collectors.

Throughout the 19th century, the Romantic collecting movement in Europe inspired the creation of numerous ivory sculptures depicting scenes of folk life and tradition. This phenomenon flourished particularly in Germany, Austria, Tyrol, and Switzerland, regions with a rich tradition of ivory carving. Central European artisans, heirs to the masters of Dieppe and German Baroque schools, adapted their techniques to the refined tastes of the educated bourgeoisie. Scenes of musicians, peasants, hunters, and market figures were rendered with great attention to detail and sensitivity.

Ivory, prized for its beauty and perfect for intricate carving, was the ideal medium for these miniature genre scenes. Figures were often presented on turned bases, as in this case, for elegant display in cabinets or on tabletops. These works were not only valued for their aesthetic qualities but also as symbols of an idealised world, celebrating the purity of tradition and rural charm. Today, such sculptures are prized by collectors of antique ivory and European folk art for their rarity and technical virtuosity.

Sculptures of this size, subject, and quality are highly sought after on the international market. They offer a charming and evocative glimpse into the 19th-century Germanic folk art tradition, much appreciated by collectors of Romantic art and folk iconography. This bagpiper would make a fine addition to a home display, a collector’s cabinet, or a distinguished ivory art collection.

Don’t miss this splendid opportunity to acquire an authentic, characterful, and highly decorative work of art.

Dimensions: height 29.7 cm (11.7 in). Base diameter: 7.6 cm (3 in). Weight: 552 grams.

IMPORTANT: Due to current regulations on antique ivory, this piece cannot be exported outside Europe. The export of ivory, even antique, to countries outside the European Union is prohibited under current legislation.