Description:

Southeast Asia, Thailand, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A beautiful rabbit-shaped coconut grater carved from a large piece of wood with an iron grater projecting from the mouth. The rabbit crouches on its four feet, and the underside of the base reveals delineated male genitalia. The details are finely carved with attention given to the eyes, ears, mouth, and the curvature of legs. The grater has a curved neck and a flat profile with serrated edges. While it may seem like the rabbit is an unusually large attachment for a simple tool, Thai graters were traditionally attached to benches or blocks, so the person could sit and drag the coconut over the iron grater. This grater let the person sit astride the rabbit's back, and a bowl could be placed below the mouth to catch the shredded coconut. The wood has developed a smooth and lustrous patina from age and culinary use! Size: 22" L x 6.5" W x 9" H (55.9 cm x 16.5 cm x 22.9 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-De Roche collection, California, USA

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#148067

  • Condition: Grater is slightly loose. Surface abrasions to wood as expected with age and use. Wood and iron have developed a smooth patina. Old inventory label on base.

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December 17, 2020 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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