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The treatise written for craftsmen by the early-twelfth-century monk Theophilus recommends using the red root of the madder plant to stain ivory. Staining allowed one side to be easily distinguished from the other, which was often left unpainted.
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Title: Game Piece with Samson Slaying the Philistines with the Jawbone of an Ass
Date: 1140–50
Culture: German
Medium: Elephant ivory, red stain
Dimensions: Overall: 2 1/2 x 1/2 in. (6.3 x 1.3 cm)
Classification: Ivories-Elephant
Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Object Number: 17.190.141
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