Early 20th C. Maori Carved Wood Inkwell with Paua Shell Eyes

Oceania, New Zealand, Maori culture. A carved wood desk inkwell holding an antique glass ink jar between tiki figures. A flanking pair of heads each extends a protruding tongue, and a third mask sits at the front center; all show the spiraled brows and grimacing mouths of Maori figural carving, with eyes inset with iridescent paua (abalone) shell. The base is carved with scrolling koru and rauponga notching. Pieces of this type were produced in the early twentieth century, likely for the settler and tourist market, adapting Maori carving traditions to a European desk implement. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. Item # 203992

Estimate:£149.56

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