This handcarved bowl is shaped as a rectangle with rounded corners. The lid depicts in bas relief a shark, dolphin, several turtles, several rays and many fish. The 1/2" lid rim is inlayed with Mother of Pearl, on two sides suggesting waves.
Carved from Solomon Island rosewood (pterocarpus indicus).
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 Compare Voyage
13"L x 9"W x 3"H