The Ivory Workers of the Middle Ages

This compact study opens a window onto the world of medieval ivory carving, tracing the craft from its early Byzantine roots through the flourishing workshops of Western Europe. The author maps out how religious diptychs, ceremonial combs, and regal thrones were shaped by skilled hands, revealing the cultural and devotional purposes that guided their creators. Along the way, readers meet intriguing pieces—a sixth‑century ivory throne, Anglo‑Saxon gospel covers, and a French fourteenth‑century bishop’s crozier—each illustrating the evolving styles and techniques of the period.

The book is richly illustrated with clear photographs of more than thirty artifacts, letting listeners visualize the delicate relief work and intricate motifs described in the text. Careful references to museum collections and earlier scholarship give a solid foundation for anyone wishing to explore ivory art further. By blending concise narrative with vivid visual examples, the work invites curiosity about a craft that once adorned both sacred spaces and noble courts.