Latin America, Mexico, ca. 1800 CE. A coconut shell chalice carved with sophisticated sgraffito (shallow scratched etchings) and fitted with a silver ormolu stem, rim and base. The rim is engraved with a personalized inscription in German. In Mexico, the tradition of carving coconut shells began in the 19th century when itinerant traders and sailors were looking for a means to pass the time and created keepsakes for their loved ones. Nails and glass shards were used to create the intricate carvings. This example boasts such a complex and intricate foliate design program; it must have taken weeks to lay out followed by months to actually execute! Size: 8"H x 4-1/2" at widest point.

Provenance: Ex-Historia Gallery, Santa Monica, CA.

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#109293

Some old repairs to coconut, but quite excellent.