Mid-Century Modern Hand-Carved Monkey Pod Wood Two-Section Serving Bowl
Decorative Arts / Vintage Kitchenware

Mid-Century Modern Hand-Carved Monkey Pod Wood Two-Section Serving Bowl

This is an organic, biomorphic-shaped serving tray or bowl, likely hand-carved from monkey pod wood (Samanea saman), a material highly popular in Mid-Century Modern decorative arts. Feature-wise, the piece consists of two distinct sections: a larger, clover-like main basin connected by a narrow bridge to a smaller, secondary bowl. The wood exhibits a deep, warm amber-brown hue with expressive, swirling grain patterns and high-contrast variegated tones characteristic of monkey pod. The construction is solid-carved from a single piece of wood, showing smooth, undulating scalloped edges and a low-profile silhouette. Its craftsmanship reflects the artisanal giftware style prevalent in Hawaii and the Philippines during the 1950s and 1960s. The surface appears to have a soft satin luster, indicating a well-preserved original finish. Visible condition appears very good with no apparent cracks, chips, or warping, though minor surface abrasions consistent with age and occasional use may be present upon closer inspection. The undulating 'freeform' style is representative of the era's rejection of rigid geometry in favor of naturalistic forms.

Estimated Value

$45.00 - $65.00

Basic Information

Category

Decorative Arts / Vintage Kitchenware

Appraised On

February 11, 2026

Estimated Value

$45.00 - $65.00

Item Description

This is an organic, biomorphic-shaped serving tray or bowl, likely hand-carved from monkey pod wood (Samanea saman), a material highly popular in Mid-Century Modern decorative arts. Feature-wise, the piece consists of two distinct sections: a larger, clover-like main basin connected by a narrow bridge to a smaller, secondary bowl. The wood exhibits a deep, warm amber-brown hue with expressive, swirling grain patterns and high-contrast variegated tones characteristic of monkey pod. The construction is solid-carved from a single piece of wood, showing smooth, undulating scalloped edges and a low-profile silhouette. Its craftsmanship reflects the artisanal giftware style prevalent in Hawaii and the Philippines during the 1950s and 1960s. The surface appears to have a soft satin luster, indicating a well-preserved original finish. Visible condition appears very good with no apparent cracks, chips, or warping, though minor surface abrasions consistent with age and occasional use may be present upon closer inspection. The undulating 'freeform' style is representative of the era's rejection of rigid geometry in favor of naturalistic forms.

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