Large and Fine 19th Century Hawaiian Koa Wood "Poi"
10" ht. x 11" diam. A fine and large 19th century Hawaiian koa wood poi bowl, thinly carved and with irregularly carved rim.ÿ In a lustrous and varied surface, with numerous repairs (a sign of respect) in butterfly shape to the underside and body, several cracks with hand fashioned miniature pegs of either koa wood or, interestingly, bamboo.ÿ Bowls of this size and quality were often reserved for chiefs or members of royalty.ÿ Some small, scattered areas appear to have repairs of breadfruit gum which were smoothed down.ÿ The interior, is a rich dark patina from age and use, and is entirely stable.
Provenance
Collected by Col. Chauncey Crawford (1878-1955) and descended in the family.
While Crawford did serve in WWII, his service record is something of a mystery. However, he did spend considerable time in Brazil, while appointed as the head of that office for the Brazil Locomotive Works starting in 1919ÿ(manufacturer of railroad locomotives, at one time the world's largest producer of steam locomotives), and this seems to have been the pinnacle of his career.ÿFamily history has him working on the Panama Canal as well, and he was well traveled during the early 20th century.
Condition Report: Pins, bow ties, patches, and cracks
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10" ht. x 11" diam. A fine and large 19th century Hawaiian koa wood poi bowl, thinly carved and with irregularly carved rim.ÿ In a lustrous and varied surface, with numerous repairs (a sign of respect) in butterfly shape to the underside and body, several cracks with hand fashioned miniature pegs of either koa wood or, interestingly, bamboo.ÿ Bowls of this size and quality were often reserved for chiefs or members of royalty.ÿ Some small, scattered areas appear to have repairs of breadfruit gum which were smoothed down.ÿ The interior, is a rich dark patina from age and use, and is entirely stable.
Provenance
Collected by Col. Chauncey Crawford (1878-1955) and descended in the family.
While Crawford did serve in WWII, his service record is something of a mystery. However, he did spend considerable time in Brazil, while appointed as the head of that office for the Brazil Locomotive Works starting in 1919ÿ(manufacturer of railroad locomotives, at one time the world's largest producer of steam locomotives), and this seems to have been the pinnacle of his career.ÿFamily history has him working on the Panama Canal as well, and he was well traveled during the early 20th century.
Condition Report: Pins, bow ties, patches, and cracks
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
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