North Pacific, Hawaii, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. An exemplary goblet known as a calabash, hand-carved from milo wood to feature a deep bowl with smooth walls that flare outwards to an annular rim, all sitting upon a thick, short leg and conical foot. Golden hues of caramel and toffee swirl along the natural woodgrain surface, beautifully complementing the form of this elegant dish. In Hawaii, calabashes like this one are used as serving bowls. Their name comes from the gourd which they resemble. Size: 5.875" in diameter x 4.625" H (14.9 cm x 11.7 cm)
Hawaiian royalty often valued specific calabashes - even going so far as to name them after royal individuals - and until the early 19th century they were reserved for elites in society. Prior to the 19th century, they were made with stone and coral tools, carved from kou, milo, and kamani trees most commonly.
Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection
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#143068
Condition
Collection label on base. A few miniscule stable pressure fissures and some light scratches. Repaired from at least 2 pieces with restoration over break lines. Otherwise, excellent.