BONTOC SEATED BULUL SPOON, EX. HIROFUMI KOBAYASHI COLLECTION

Origin: Philippines, N. Luzon, Bontoc People    (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:  Early 20th century

Materials:  Hardwood

Description:  Spoons with seated figures are less common than standing figures.  This wonderful example is presented on a custom bronze display stand.  The angles on the figure and the transition into the spoon itself are sublime.  Its very precisely and sensitively carved.  Although the face is void of any features except a slit mouth, I find that it amazingly has a great deal of expression and presence.  It has a dark rich patina turning to red.  It is a very pure example and appears to have never been waxed or polished.  In very good condition with some minor scratches and tiny chips on the rim. 

Dimensions:   Height 6.5"  (16.5 cm), Width 2 1/8"  (5 cm)

Price:  SOLD