Description:

Polynesia, Hawaii, ca. 19th century CE. A beautiful example of a kou wood umeke, an honored vessel for eating poi. The interior has been lightly sanded to make its surface smooth and matte, while the exterior is polished to show the beautiful colors and swirls of the wood. Hawaiian royalty often valued specific bowls - even going so far as to name them after royal individuals - and until the early 19th century they were reserved for elite members of society. Prior to the 19th century, they were made from stone and coral tools, carved from kou, milo, and kamani trees most commonly. Size: 11.5" W x 4.3" H (29.2 cm x 10.9 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Tom Murray collection, California, USA

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#148304

  • Condition: Small chip from rim, and a few small nicks and chips from the exterior and interior commensurate with age. None of these goes fully through the body of the vessel. Deep knot in the wood on the interior and some other natural variations in the wood. Light deposits and rich patina.

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October 31, 2019 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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