A Fine and Rare Georgian Carved and Turned Lignum Vitae English Tiller
A Fine and Rare Georgian Carved and Turned Lignum Vitae English Tiller
Probably made for a Thames launch
Late 18th Century
Size : 75.5 cm long – 29¾ ins long
Probably made for a Thames launch
Late 18th Century
Size : 75.5 cm long – 29¾ ins long
See Finch and Co cat. no. 3 (item no. 3) for a Lignum Vitae wood mortar
Lignum Vitae, 'wood of life', was first imported into England around 1515 from the West Indies and central America and was thought to be a cure for venereal diseases.
Lignum Vitae contains an oil that is immiscible with sea water and makes the wood impermeable and so it lends itself to use on ships. It is so hard and dense that when seasoned it weighs some 88 lb per cubic foot, and when turned or carved it will never warp or twist.
Lignum Vitae, 'wood of life', was first imported into England around 1515 from the West Indies and central America and was thought to be a cure for venereal diseases.
Lignum Vitae contains an oil that is immiscible with sea water and makes the wood impermeable and so it lends itself to use on ships. It is so hard and dense that when seasoned it weighs some 88 lb per cubic foot, and when turned or carved it will never warp or twist.
A Fine and Rare Georgian Carved and Turned Lignum Vitae English Tiller
SOLD
