PHENOMENAL 19TH C. ELLIPTICAL TONGAN KAVA BOWL

Origin: Western Polynesia, Tonga   (Provenance: Acquired from an old New York City Collection.  Research supports that the painted numbers on the bottom correspond to the Budapest Museum in Hungry.  We believe that the previous owners purchased the bowl years ago from Emile Deletaille in Brussels who had direct dealings and access to inventory at the Budapest Museum)

Period/Date: Circa 1800-1840

Materials:  Ironwood (sacred vesi wood?)

Description:  This is the finest Polynesian bowl we've had yet.  It is superb in every respect.  Measuring just under 14 inches, this elliptical bowl is special for many reasons.  It is unusual to see a bowl of this compact scale so masterfully carved.  Its relief-carved face-like pierced lug is prominent and very detailed.  It is positioned at the mid-point of the bowl, not the top, adding to its zoomorphic form.  Its color is gorgeous being a varied reddish brown with encrusted black residue on the upper portion of the rim.  Its tapered form for was ideal pouring.  The entire circumference of the rim is serrated. What is most fascinating is there are a series of "hatch marks" on the exterior elliptical rims AND to the right leg of the bowl!  These don't appear to be merely decorative but mathematical notations perhaps recording how many times the bowl was employed in various ceremonies?  The bowl is clearly imbued with vast "mana".   There are some old inventory numbers on the underside in white paint (85.279).  There is evidence of stone polishing and coral rasping on the underside.  In excellent condition with no damage or restoration.   Some minor paint flecks.

Dimensions:   Length 13.75"  (35 cm), Width 9.25"  (23.5 cm), Height 5.25" (13.5 cm)

Price:  RESERVED