Maori Treasure Box, New Zealand

Maori Treasure Box
New Zealand
waka huia

18 in (45.7 cm)

Condition Report:
Very good condition overall with wear consistent with age, use and handling. Some minor nicks, chips, scratches and abrasions in places. A hairline crack to the proper right side of one of the figures at the end of the box, the crack just running into the interior of the box. On the underside of the box, some wear (but not breaks) to the bottom half of the legs and feet of the two figures which appear at either end of the box. The paua shell inlay missing from the proper left eye of one the recumbent figures on the lid. Exceptionally fine, nuanced old patina, softly worn and with extensive traces of red kokowai and black pigments in the recessed areas.

Provenance:
Private Collection
Christie's, London, June 17, 1980, lot 213, consigned by the above
Pierre Bovis, San Diego, reportedly acquired from Robert Duperrier, Paris
Kevin Conru, Brussels, acquired from the above
Abraham Rosman and Paula Rubel, New York, acquired from the above on October 17, 2001