The art and detail of mammoth ivory maintenance.
In China's traditional culture, the art of ivory carving occupies an important position. Mammoth ivory, with its scarcity and unique physical properties, has become an extremely valuable material in this art. The smooth and delicate surface of mammoth ivory, combined with its legal trading nature, makes it a favorite among collectors. Many people may overlook the physical fragility of mammoth ivory because of its hardness, mistakenly believing that it does not require careful maintenance. However, as many hard substances exhibit, mammoth ivory requires more care, especially in daily wear, to avoid irreversible damage to this precious material.
For newly acquired mammoth ivory crafts, don't rush to wear them right away. Changes in temperature and humidity in the environment can cause damage to the teeth. The correct way to do this is to seal it for a period of time to allow it to adapt to the new environment before wearing it. In addition, many people do not realize that wearing mammoth tusks while bathing is an inappropriate act. Mammoth tusks are prone to cracking after prolonged exposure to hot water, and the cracks may expand due to water stains, making them difficult to repair.
Mammoth ivory should be avoided when wearing clothing that tends to fade. Mammoth ivory may be stained with discoloured clothing, and once stained, it will be extremely difficult to remove, seriously affecting its aesthetics. During daily wear, frequent entry and exit to environments with large temperature differences should also be avoided. Rapid changes in temperature can cause mammoth tusks to crack, especially when there are large variations in humidity and dryness.
On the other hand, while some people like to apply oil to the surface of mammoth ivory to add shine, excess oil can instead seep into the inside of the ivory and cause damage. The correct way to care for it is to use a small amount of grease and cover the surface of the ivory evenly with hand contact. In addition, mammoth ivory should be avoided from coming into contact with harsh liquids, such as perfumes, which can damage the luster of the ivory's surface and make it dull. In summer, mammoth ivory should be avoided as it is susceptible to sweat erosion and yellowing.
To sum up, mammoth ivory, although precious and hard, is just as fragile and requires us to be extra careful when wearing and maintaining it on a daily basis. By following the above care details, we are not only able to extend the life of our mammoth ivory crafts, but also maintain their beauty and value. This kind of care art and detail is the respect and cherishing of the rare material of mammoth ivory.