Carved Emu Egg
Production date
Feb 1991
Country
Australia
State/Province
Queensland
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Object detail
Description
Carved emu egg, decorated wtih carvings in relief forming images in black of emus, kangaroos, a snake and lizard. The egg is mounted onto a timber base shaped like a map of Australia by a timber rod through the centre.
Classification
HANDCRAFTS Carving emu egg carving
ORNAMENTS Mixed Media ornament
ORNAMENTS Mixed Media ornament
Maker
Production date
Feb 1991
Production place
Measurements
H 190 x Max Diam 108 mm
Media/Materials description
egg shell, timber
History and use
This beautifully carved emu egg was created by Mr Edward Batts in 1991 at Rockhampton. Mr Batts took up the hobby of carving emu eggs as a child, after learning the technique from an old bushman employed on his grandfather's farm. He had a varied career as shearer, French polisher and railway labourer, and enjoyed wood carving along with his hobby of emu egg carving. He carved each egg using a hacksaw blades and this carved egg took about 8 to 10 hours to complete.
Emu egg carving is a distinctively Australian handcraft, often incorporating patriotic imagery. By carving eggs while still fresh, skilled carvers could produce up to nine shades of colour. Emu eggs were also used for decorative purposes by silversmiths, who created elaborate mounts from the mid nineteenth century, possibly pre-dating the practice of egg carving.
Emu egg carving is a distinctively Australian handcraft, often incorporating patriotic imagery. By carving eggs while still fresh, skilled carvers could produce up to nine shades of colour. Emu eggs were also used for decorative purposes by silversmiths, who created elaborate mounts from the mid nineteenth century, possibly pre-dating the practice of egg carving.
Registration number
H22573
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