Description:

South Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A fabulous bowl of an enormous size, hand-carved from fine-grained koa wood boasting deep caramel and golden hues. The vessel is defined by its wide, stable base, tall walls, a thin rim, and a deep basin. One area of the wall displays five old repair dowels. 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 using stone and coral tools to carve kou, milo, and kamani trees most commonly. Repaired calabashes like this one show signs of reverence - the calabash was loved enough to be repaired, and the repairs like those here were done with the desire to make beautiful the repair itself. Size: 18.5" W x 8.25" H (47 cm x 21 cm).

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#146435

  • Condition: Old repairs to area walls as shown, with minor abrasions to base and exterior surfaces. Light earthen deposits and great patina throughout. Old inventory label beneath base.

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July 25, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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