S.H. Chun Signed Monkey Pod Wood Lidded Bowl

This is a hand-turned lidded bowl crafted from Monkey Pod wood, a tropical hardwood known for its rich contrasting grain patterns. This specific piece features an incised signature on the base that appears to read 'S.H. Chun' or 'S.H. Choon,' followed by 'M-POD' (shorthand for Monkey Pod). The wood displays a warm range of colors from golden amber to deep chocolate browns, characteristic of matured wood from the Samanea saman tree. The construction is lathe-turned, evidencing smooth curves and a refined profile typical of mid-century to late 20th-century Hawaiian or Southeast Asian woodcraft. The surface exhibits several fine hairline cracks and drying checks across the grain, which are common in aged tropical hardwoods due to moisture fluctuation. There are also visible surface scratches and minor abrasions throughout the finish. The incised markings are deeply cut but show some age-related smoothing. The craftsmanship suggests a professional studio artist rather than mass-production, likely dating from the 1960s to 1980s. The overall patina is semi-matte, suggesting the original oil or wax finish has worn down over time.