Monkey Pod Wood Appraisal

Mid-Century Monkey Pod Wood 3-Compartment Divided Serving Tray

This is a vintage three-section divided serving tray carved from monkey pod wood, a material traditionally utilized in the Philippines for high-quality souvenir and household wares. The tray features a distinctive ovoid or egg-shaped silhouette, measuring approximately 10 to 12 inches in length. It is hand-carved with three deep wells separated by integrated wooden dividers in a Y-configuration, perfectly suited for serving nuts, candies, or hors d'oeuvres. The wood displays a warm, golden-brown hue with a vibrant, interlocking grain pattern characteristic of the rain tree (Albizia saman). The craftsmanship exhibits smooth, rounded contours and a semi-matte finish that highlights the natural chatoyancy of the timber. Notable condition indicators include light surface scratches on the interior wells, typical of moderate utility, and a small dark knot or inclusion visible in the lower-left compartment. No major structural cracks or repairs are evident from the top view. Based on the Mid-Century Modern style and manufacturing context, this piece likely dates to the 1960s or 1970s, a peak period for Philippine wood export craft. The overall quality is excellent, showing uniform wall thickness and expert hand-finishing.