**First Time At Auction**

North Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, ca. late 19th century to early 20th century CE. A beautiful example of a kou wood calabash - a serving bowl named after a gourd and made from Hawaiian hardwood trees - kou in this case. The exterior is smooth and displays the colors and graining of the wood; warm tones of caramel and golden brown. This example has slightly incurved walls and a flat base with a deep interior. Traditionally, calabashes were made with stone and coral tools, carved from kou, milo, and kamani trees. The natural beauty of the wood is wonderfully highlighted by the artisan, and the surface has been polished to a delightfully silky texture! Size: 8" Diameter x 6" H (20.3 cm x 15.2 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!

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA, collection

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#145366

Old, inactive insect bore holes on exterior. Discoloration and staining on interior basin. Surface scratches, abrasions on exterior, and nicks to rim. Smooth exterior with a silky texture.