German Ivory Museum

Count Francis I of Erbach-Erbach established the tradition of ivory carving in the region at the end of the 18th century. During his six-year educational journey through Europe, Count Francis I discovered collections of the most precious ivory works as well as the artful processing of the precious material. Back in the Odenwald, he made, among other things, boxes and tableware from ivory, tortoiseshell and buffalo horn in his own workshop. Through his pioneering role as an artist, through the founding of the ivory-turners’ guild in 1783, the procurement of materials and the reduction of customs barriers, Count Francis I supported his economic experiment from the very beginning. His comprehensive education provided the prerequisite for this.

Starting with Count Francis I and his own handcrafted ivory works, the German Ivory Museum presents a chronological tour from the beginnings of ivory art in Erbach to the modern age. The exhibits emerge from the darkness into the light, floating as it were. The individual experience, the joy of the aesthetics of each individually designed work is at the centre of this modern and award-winning presentation.

Among others, twelve leg carvings by the important expressionist Karl Schmidt-Rottluff (1884-1976) are on display. Founding director Hans-Werner Hegemann acquired the exquisite works personally from the Berlin-based artist in 1972. The German Ivory Museum now dedicates its own cabinet to him. It can be visited as part of the museum visit.