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The craftsmen who carved ivories in the Phoenician style were strongly influenced
by Egyptian art. This is not surprising, as traditionally close ties existed
between Egypt and Phoenicia, which was located on the southern shores of
the Levant. Some of these ivories illustrate Egyptian themes and motifs,
but in entirely original compositions. The refined style shows careful attention
to detail. Phoenician-style ivories were used primarily as furniture decoration.
Some are solid plaques; others are carved on one or both sides in a delicate
openwork technique. Many were originally covered with gold leaf and inlaid
with semiprecious stones or colored glass. Such a rich combination of ivory,
gold, and brightly colored stones made the thrones of the Assyrian kings
famous. Most ivories carved in the Phoenician style were produced during
the late eighth and seventh centuries B.C.
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