17th Century French Ivory Crucifix 17th Century

SHIPPING INSIDE AUSTRALIA ONLY.
A large carved crucifix measuring 358mm long by 154mm wide by 62mm deep and weighing 293.7 grams. The carving has been made from natural elephant ivory cut across the tusk. The ivory has been cut to sections, hand carved and polished then joined by hand to form the cross, the INRI banner and Christ. There is significant discoloration occurring from natural interaction with the atmosphere over time. This discoloration has formed a mottled appearance across some sections of ivory and is random in it’s formation and patterns. The banner with “INRI” on it is only just legible although clearly it would have once been painted in black lettering. To the back changes over the centuries have resulted in a split to the top of the ivory crucifix this is not a crack but rather the once joined seam of the piece coming apart over time due to changes in atmospheric conditions. This is a rare and beautiful item which displays beautifully