“Bulls Fury” – Original Gary Tonkin Sperm Whale Tooth Scrimshaw

“Bulls Fury” – Original Gary Tonkin Sperm Whale Tooth Scrimshaw
Pre-1978 Legal Whale Ivory | 344g | 14.5cm | Exportable | From Cheynes Beach Whaling Station

Introducing “Bulls Fury”, a powerful and masterfully engraved scrimshaw artwork by celebrated Australian scrimshander Gary Tonkin, etched on a genuine pre-1978 sperm whale tooth. Weighing 344 grams and measuring 14.5 cm, this exceptional piece features Tonkin’s signature precision and storytelling, capturing the raw energy and drama of life at sea—fittingly named for the fury of the bull sperm whale.

Sourced from the historically significant Cheynes Beach Whaling Station in Albany, Western Australia, this legally acquired whale tooth ivory is CITES-compliant and eligible for export from Australia with the proper documentation.

About the Artwork

“Bulls Fury” showcases the brute force and untamed nature of the sperm whale, long revered and feared by whalers of the 18th and 19th centuries. Gary Tonkin’s engraving brings to life the tension between man and beast—etched with fine detail into the smooth surface of a real sperm whale tooth. The image is both a tribute to the golden age of whaling and a reminder of the ocean’s power.

Each scrimshaw on whale ivory by Tonkin is a one-of-a-kind creation, combining artistic mastery with rare and legally sourced materials. This piece is perfect for collectors of nautical art, scrimshaw, or maritime history.

Why This Piece is Special

• Certified legal: This is a pre-ban sperm whale tooth for scrimshaw, sourced and engraved before international ivory bans

• Created by Gary Tonkin, one of Australia’s foremost scrimshaw artists

• Fully documented provenance from Cheynes Beach Whaling Station

• A true collector’s item – rarely available in this condition and legal status

• Export-ready: Can be shipped internationally with the appropriate CITES permits

Who Is This For?

• Maritime art collectors seeking original scrimshaw on real sperm whale ivory

• Museums and galleries curating displays of whaling history and 19th-century seafaring

• Investors and collectors looking for legal whale tooth ivory artwork

• Scrimshaw enthusiasts and admirers of Gary Tonkin’s celebrated portfolio

• Buyers searching for high-quality sperm whale teeth for sale with historical and artistic value

Legal and Export Compliance

This sperm whale tooth was acquired prior to 1978, making it legal for trade and export under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). It comes with full documentation verifying its provenance, allowing for legal export from Australia and import into most countries (subject to local regulations).

We work with buyers worldwide and can assist with all required export documentation to ensure a smooth and fully compliant transaction.

A Rare Opportunity

In an increasingly restricted ivory market, owning a legally sourced and artist-signed sperm whale tooth scrimshaw like “Bulls Fury” is becoming a rarity. This is more than just a collectible—it’s a tangible piece of maritime history, a work of art, and an investment in legacy.