Lee Ann Papale (Born 1956) American, Floral Scrimshaw and Ink Sperm Whale Tooth. Polished, most likely an older juvenile, based on the wear to the tooth point and its curvature. Depicts a gorgeous bouquet of flowers and leaves in bright colors and painstaking detail. Signed and dated 2003 at bottom right of image. 

Condition: Excellent. Commensurate with age. 

Size: 2 3/4 x 4 1/2 x 1 1/2 in. 

Lee Ann Papale-Kalman (best known simply by her maiden name) was born on February 13th, 1956 on the island of Nantucket in Massachusetts. She came from a long line of master scrimshaw artists, including Nancy A. Chase, Phyllis Chase Burchell, and Susan Chase Ottison. From a very early age she entered the family business, crafting whaling scenes on the sides of polished sperm whale teeth and bones. In 1974 she opened her own studio, where she began to expand her designs to include colorful island scenes and wildflower patterns, as well as making plaques, panels, handles, and much more with the fossils. For over thirty years she worked and taught there until she and her husband purchased a winter home in Marathon, Florida, and she continues to make original pieces on commission while dividing her time between the two locations, as well as occasionally teaching at various arts and crafts studios in Portland, Maine.

Excellent. Commensurate with age.