Bidspirit auction | Pair of Carved Composite Tusks

Pair of Carved Composite Tusks on Foo Dog Bases, Chinese, mid-20th century - An impressive matched pair of Chinese-style decorative tusks, each intricately carved in high relief with ascending dragons, phoenixes, and standing immortals, mounted in elaborately carved hardwood bases depicting guardian lions (foo dogs). The tusks are made of a dense, bone-like composite material closely resembling ivory in texture and tone, finished with fine incised detailing and a warm aged patina. Bases carved from dark, richly grained hardwood. Finely executed examples of postwar Chinese export craftsmanship, these tusks achieve an impressive balance of intricacy and scale. Their relief work and dragon-guard bases lend strong visual impact under lighting. Each 20 in. H, 12 in. W, 4.5 in. D Condition: Excellent presentation with minor age toning and a few faint hairlines to composite material; bases with natural wood age wear and small shrinkage fissures.