This bold wall hanging is done in Solomon Island rosewood (Pterocarpus indicus). The center shows a highly detailed turtle as well as a bonito and a seahorse. The rim is 4.5” wide and is adorned with Mother of Pearl and kerosene wood inlay. The carvings are nearly three-dimensional.
For the mother of pearl inlay, the artist cuts a piece of shell to fit the space, then cuts it into tiny pieces, files each one to create the pattern, and then puts each individual piece in place using custom putty.
 
Marovo Lagoon, Western Province, Solomon Islands
Personally collected Firebird Voyage
The piece is 23” in diameter and 2” thick.