Northeastern Ash Burl Bowl, with Carved Crests

Northeastern Ash Burl Bowl, with Carved Crests

late 18th - early 19th century

oval form, with thin walls rising to scalloped crests; inked with collection number on base

length 14-1/2 inches x width 11-1/2 inches x height 5-3/4 inches

The carved crests on this bowl may represent a Manitou spirit, in this case a deer or similar creature. Here the ears and top of the head are minimized and almost appear as a decorative device. A subtle and sophisticated detail of this carving is that at the effigy, the walls are a bit swollen and thicker than the wall around and below it. This gives body to the spirit and aids in using the castellations as handles (Powers 2005: 116).

PUBLISHED:
Powers, Steven S. North American Burl Treen: Colonial & Native American. (2005: pg. 116, plate 6/13 a/b)

This lot is located in Cincinnati.
Native American & Prehistoric Art Deep rich patina, softly worn high points, no restoration Ex Trotta-Bono Collection, NY; Ex Mac Grimmer, NM; Ex Peter Brams Collection, NY