Table Bureau Kholmogory Mid-18th century Wood, ivory, foil 54.5 x 34 x 15.5 cm The wooden framework of this miniature bureau is faced with openwork ivory plaques bearing floral ornament and reliefs of hunters and animals. This is a typical example of artefacts fashioned from ivory and bone in Kholmogory, one of the leading artistic centres in the Russian North. Craftsmen used walrus or frozen mammoth tusks and the bones of domestic animals. Skilful combination of a wide range of techniques enabled craftsmen to create works of art of striking beauty and technical refinement.