Made from the tusks of elephants, ivory is a precious commodity, and since selling ivory in the United States was outlawed in the 1960s in response to diminished elephant herds worldwide, antique ivory is very valuable. While the first crafts of ivory date back 3,000 years to the time of the Egyptians, ivory carvings became extremely popular as signs of wealth and prestige during the Renaissance period in Europe, and European influence spread to the United States in the 19th century due to the emerging middle class.

Today, antique ivory artworks are highly collectible and are a testament to craftsmanship and attention to detail. Davis Tillman, owner of Tillman’s Antiques & Collectables in Hot Springs, offers a wide selection of certified antique carved ivory. “I personally have always loved art miniatures, and will only handle authentically antique ivory pieces,” he says. Several samplings from his collection include a female figure in the classic European style circa the 1890s and a little boy, titled Learning To Count, which is also from the turn of the century. Both pieces are elephant ivory and display highly refined carvings. Tillman acquired the female figure from a Washington D.C. collection, while the little boy came from an antique dealer who personally called Tillman about the find. An ivory carved dog, originally from China, was also part of the same D.C. collection as the female figure, and boasts a true-to-life facial expression any dog owner can recognize.

One of Tillman’s most awe-inspiring finds is a hand-carved and tea-stained man and woman—a sultan and his bride. From the Ottoman Empire around 1800, this pair was a gift to the sultan upon his marriage, and the two figures are carved from the same tusk, which was split length-wise before carving began.

The bride holds flowers over her body and has a bird perched on her finger—both symbols of nature—while the sultan, outfitted with his regal sword, is admiring a flower in his hand—also a symbol of nature and therefore of his bride. This pair boasts almost impossible detail, right down to the sultan’s beard and the bride’s adorned dress, and it likely would have taken the artist weeks of continuous work to complete these pieces. “The sultan and his bride was brought to me by a man who had been working in Persia, and he purchased them from a family’s estate who had owned them since the 1940s,” Tillman says. “The tea staining, which was common, really brings out the depth and detail of the work.”

Tillman cautions buyers about the difference between bone and ivory carvings since an untrained eye can easily mistake them. “Bone carvings have becoming popular since the ban on ivory; however, if you look closely, true ivory has a criss-cross or diamond pattern, while bone has straight lines,” he says. “This is because a tusk grows from all sides and overlaps to form the cone shape, while bone always grows in a linear formation.” Some other pieces may be labeled ivory, but actual only contain ivory shavings mixed with rosin. This is why Tillman suggests working with a reputable dealer. “Dealing in ivory can be tricky, and you should always know the history of your seller so you know exactly what you are buying,” he says.

Great gardens and backyard spaces are truly a feast for the senses, from the breathtaking sights of fall’s blazing hues, to the sweet smell of success of a rose garden, to the taste of a salad fresh from the veggie harvest, to the tactile pleasure of new foliage. And thanks to trickling streams and bubbling fountains, water features are the ultimate treat to the ears, producing relaxing sounds and creating tranquil atmospheres for homeowners to enjoy.

	You would never guess that this lush patch of paradise is located within a bustling city neighborhood, but Pat Brown’s waterfall in the backyard of his Candlewood Estates home in Fayetteville is part of a larger landscape—waterfall flows into the hot tub, which in turn flows into the swimming pool, all of which is crafted of fieldstone to duplicate the appeal of a real swimming hole. Implementing materials such as native stone is an ideal way to maintain the natural beauty of such a space. The project was designed by Travis Brooks and EB Landworks, Inc., both of Fayetteville, and the pools itself was created by Seaside Pools of Springdale.
	In Randy Jeffrey and Scott Shepard’s urban backyard, a wide variety of flora species surround an equally freeform and creative water feature. The koi pond, framed with traditional red brick and accented with a mosaic design hand-applied by Jeffrey, boasts a fun fountain shaped like a fish out of water, the perfect complement to the numerous orange and white koi residing in the pond. Even better, the water feature lends a soothing touch to the nearby seating area in this Little Rock garden.
	Mary Ellen and Bob Warner’s formal garden in Jonesboro boasts an elegant 5,000-gallon brick and granite koi pond as its centerpiece. The oversized nature of the water feature is perfect, since both the living room and entertainment area of the historic home’s guest house open onto the garden, providing an instant breathtaking view. Aquatic plantings, understated water spouts and statuary accent this delightful backyard spot.
	To ensure water features can be enjoyed both day and night lighting is essential. Built by Joe Barnett of Little Rock Land Design, the natural stone waterfall at the home of Bob and Helen Adkins is visible to guests entering the front hall and makes for a dramatic greeting during evening gatherings, thanks to tree-mounted spotlights that expertly illuminate the waterfall and koi pond below.