What does a delicate ivory chair symbolise in literature?

It would depend largely on the context of the story. If it was written after the mid-1900's when ivory trade became illegal, it might have a negative symbollism. because it's also delicate, that could present a contradiction. it is created by slaughter, but it is also deceptively beautiful.

if it was written before that, it would probably have a positive symbollism. it is pure white and beautiful and someone put a lot of work into it.

look at the Words used to describe the chair and see if they are harsh and bitter or smooth and beautiful. It probably reflects on the person sitting in it.