What's it Worth?

You own a Chinese medicine doll, which was historically found in upper-class Chinese households. As it was considered immodest for women to undress in front of doctors, they would point at the doll to explain where their ailments were. Judging from the photograph, I’d say the chances of yours being made from genuine elephant ivory are high. Look closely at the grain. If the ivory features a cross-section cut, you should see concentric growth lines; if it was cut lengthwise, these lines should appear as triangles. Another way to judge: Check the doll’s surface for intersecting lines forming a diamond pattern. To determine how old it is, keep in mind that ivory, like wood, will age — cracking is the most common sign. Your doll appears to be from the mid-20th century; I’d place its value between $325 and $375.