North Pacific, Hawaii, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A gorgeous calabash - a serving bowl named for the gourd it resembles - hand-carved from inherently beautiful Hawaiian hardwood. This lovely dish presents a deep bowl and smooth walls that gently curve inward to a circular rim, all sitting upon a conical foot. The stunning natural woodgrain surface exhibits hues of toffee and butterscotch with chocolate brown inclusions, nicely complementing the vessel's elegant form. Size: 3.75" in diameter x 4.2" H (9.5 cm x 10.7 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 Hawaii, USA collection; ex-M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii, USA, 1960-2000
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#166520
Condition
Collection label on base. Drill holes to base from construction. Intact and excellent.