Ivory carving

Depicted in this ivory carving is a story from Chinese antiquity. The exact details of the story have not been interpreted, but it dates from the Wu Dynasty (221-280 A.D.) of the Three Kingdoms period. This is indicated by the Chinese character for "Wu" on the lamps in the rear of the larger vessel. One will notice that this is a rescue scene in which a man with a sword seems to be saving a child from a Wu Kingdom ship. It appears that this is a river scene on account of the small size of the boats involved. The warriors in this scene are wearing an ancient style of armor. The man with the sword is holding off a warrior with a spear so that the child can escape with the help of another figure. There are guards in the rear of the larger boat who are attempting to stop the rescue. Notice the figure drawing his sword while his partner notches an arrow. Inside the larger vessel, there sits a Wu Kingdom official. It is possible that this figure could be another hostage which the spear-bearing warrior is guarding. A man at the end of the small boat holds an oar and serves as the pilot. Notice the Chinese characters on the flag of the imperial vessel. They read, "Against the wind, one boat (sail)." This could relate to the large odds of attempting a rescue against an imperial ship, which the two men in the small boat are doing. Notice how the shape of the two boats corresponds to the curved shape of an elephant tusk. This would enable the artist to get the maximum usage out of his/her medium. This ivory carved object was produced after 1891 A.D., as indicated by the "China" marks on the bottom of the wooden stand. It is apparent that the ivory has not aged long