Signed Hand-Turned Dan DeLuz Koa Wood Bowl

This is a hand-turned wooden bowl crafted from native Hawaiian Koa wood, as indicated by the incised markings on the base. The underside features the hand-etched signature 'Dan DeLuz' followed by the word 'Koa' in cursive script. The wood exhibits a rich, warm golden-brown to reddish-amber hue, characteristic of high-quality Koa heartwood. The grain pattern appears fine and dense with a subtle chatoyancy visible even in the base view. It features a smooth, rounded profile with a slightly convex bottom, indicating a masterfully executed lathe-turned construction. The finish appears to be an oil or light lacquer that highlights the natural beauty of the wood rather than obscuring it. There are minor visible surface abrasions and light scratches consistent with careful handling and age. The piece likely dates from the late 20th century to the early 21st century, reflecting DeLuz’s period of high activity as an acclaimed Hawaiian woodworker. The signature is clear and authentic in style, which significantly enhances the item's provenance and value. The craftsmanship is refined, showing consistent wall thickness and a well-balanced form typical of professional hollowware.

I have virtually examined the hand-turned Koa wood bowl bearing the hallmark signature of the late master woodworker Dan DeLuz. The piece exhibits a high degree of craftsmanship, with the rich golden-brown grain and characteristic chatoyancy of Hawaiian Koa (Acacia koa) clearly visible. The signature and notation on the base appear consistent with known authentic examples of DeLuz’s cursive styling, which significantly elevates the item's marketability compared to unsigned pieces. The condition appears Very Good, with minor surface abrasions noted. In the current market for Hawaiian 'Studio Wood,' DeLuz is highly regarded for his ability to honor the natural integrity of the wood. Comparable sales of similar-sized DeLuz bowls typically range from $400 to $800 depending on the specific 'curl' or figure of the wood and the bowl's diameter. Limitations: This appraisal is based solely on digital images. A definitive authentication requires an in-person inspection to verify the tactile finish, weight, and internal wall consistency, as well as to confirm the absence of deep checking or structural repairs hidden by the oil finish. I recommend securing original gallery receipts or provenance documentation to facilitate a faster sale at the high end of the valuation. Scientific wood identification could confirm the specific subspecies, though the visual indicators of Koa heartwood are strong in this instance.