Ivory ban brings the UK in line with China

Beijing introduced a complete prohibition on sales last year, leading to drastic fall in the number of elephants being killed

Back in March, inside West London's Portobello Road antique market on a typical Saturday morning, a visitor picks up a white 10-centimeter-tall representation of a man playing a flute. The piece features intricately carved details, such as the man's gown and his facial expressions. Its edges are yellowing, a sign of aging.

"This was made from ivory in the 19th century," says the store's owner, Justin Gerrard. "Seven hundred pounds for you. You can trust me that it's an authentic antique."