STANDING BULUL SPOON, EX. HIROFUMI KOBAYASHI COLLECTION

Origin: Philippines, N. Luzon, likely Hapao region    (Provenance:  Ex. Hirofumi Kobayashi Collection Japan.  The Kobayashi collection is well known and in fact a number of his pieces are published.  Hiro established himself in the 1960s as a noted commercial fashion photographer in Paris.  In 1969 on a trip to Calcutta he was so moved by the sight of bodies being cremated near the Ganges that he abandoned his career.  For 30 years after that he photographed "death rituals" among the hill tribes of the Philippines and built an impressive high quality collection of Philippine material culture.)

Period/Date:  Likely early 20th c.

Materials:  Hardwood

Description:  This spoon with standing male figure is presented on a custom bronze display stand.  It is unusual in that the treatment of the chest and shoulders is atypical showing that this particular artist was comfortable reinterpreting old traditions. The figure is seen wearing a classic "oklop" hunters helmets.  It has a dark rich patina turning to red with a semi-encrusted surface mostly on the bowl.  The rim of the bowl obviously chipped a very long time age and has become smooth and rounded from repeated use. 

Dimensions:   Height 6.75"  (17.2 cm), Width 2 3/8"  (6 cm)

Price: SOLD