Carved Ivory Tobacco Grater Dieppe Angelot Peach Fish Fidelity 18th century

An ivory tobacco rasp delicately carved with a little cherub catching a fish, with the Fidelity inscription "Je meurs où je m'attache" above, adorned with a stylized shell at the top, Dieppe* work, 18th century.
This rasp is in good condition. Superb quality. It has retained its tobacco grating. Antique collector's label on the back.
Please note: flaw (line) on the back of the cherub part, tiny cracks in the ivory, some soiling, scratches and wear on the decorations, see photos.
Worked ivory specimen, prior to July 1, 1947 and therefore in compliance with EC regulation 338/97 of 09/12/1996 art.2-Wmc.
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* Dieppe sailors are said to have discovered Guinea before the Portuguese. In 1384, they are said to have brought back a large quantity of ivory, which would have been at the origin of the Norman port's vocation. The proliferation of ivory workshops soon gave Dieppe a leading position in Europe in the field of tableware. In the 17th century, all kinds of religious and secular objects were made, including boxes, shuttles, fans, fly and powder boxes, scientific instruments such as compasses and sundials, and the famous tobacco rasps or "grivoises". In the 18th century, new production was characterized by openwork and turned objects. Numerous objects were produced: carved, guilloche, fluted and saw-cut cases, snuffboxes, shuttles for checkers, knives, baskets, common crucifixes and other "well finished" crucifixes of all sizes, figures of saints, fans, billiard balls, dice, chess and domino sets. We should also mention miniatures and portraits. The revolutionary period and the First Empire were not very favorable for ivory work. During the Restoration, the Comtesse de Berry settled here and the town became fashionable. Her taste for the Neo-Gothic style was evident in furniture and in the production of objects of all kinds. The taste for ivory was very strong: people took home locally-produced ivory as a souvenir or present. The craze continued until 1850. The introduction of celluloid in 1869 dealt a fatal blow to this craft. Dieppe ivories are highly sought-after by collectors, depending on the quality of the decoration and the theme.
Dimensions
Width 5.4 cm
Length 17.5 cm
Reference : E30 130
All photos on :
www.antiques-delaval.com
 

Ref: 7OQTZMGUA7