Other exemptions Section 6: Pre-1918 portrait miniatures
This section provides for an exemption for portrait miniatures to the prohibition on dealing in ivory.
	A portrait miniature is a portrait created in the 18th and 19th centuries and typically painted on a thin sheet of ivory, along with other materials, such as vellum. These ivory sheets were generally 1mm thick prior to the 1760s, after which the sheets could be cut more thinly. With regard to portrait miniatures, the term "miniature" does not indicate size but instead the technique used and as a result these items can range in size. An example is provided below.
Illustrative examples of portrait miniatures which may, subject to any advice which may be published, qualify under the portrait miniature exemption.
1. 2.
(1) Henry Robert, An Unknown girl c 1890-1900, Watercolour on ivory
(2) Sir Ross, William Charles, Portrait of Pandelli C. Ralli, 1856, Watercolour on ivory
© Victoria and Albert Museum, London
	For an item to qualify under this exemption it would need to meet the following conditions:
the item is a portrait miniature and is pre-1918 as defined in section 37(2) and (3)(a);
the visible surface area of the ivory ‘canvas’ is no more than 320cm2 (excluding the frame); and
the item is registered under section 10.
	If the conditions outlined in section 6 are met, dealing in that ivory item is permitted. If it does not meet all of those conditions, the item does not qualify as exempt to the prohibition and dealing in the item is prohibited, unless the item qualifies under another exemption (e.g. the exemptions in sections 2, 7 or 9).