19th Century Coconut Bank - Exceptionally Carved and Reticulated
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Directory: Archives: Regional Art: Americas: Pre 1900: Item # 1378711
Directory: Archives: Regional Art: Americas: Pre 1900: Item # 1378711
Please refer to our stock # 687ad when inquiring.
sold
sold
Measuring approximately 5' x 3", this finely carved and reticulated coconut bank is one of the finest we have ever seen, with the entire surface filled with carving and openwork. There are three oval cartouches with a complex scene of people, animals, items of the era, and foliate designs. In addition, all other areas have similar carvings with textured surface in background areas. They eyes are shell, mother of pearl. The face and mouth resemble a fish, with scales, but also depict a nose and mustache. The opposite end is also in face form with stylized eyes, a nose, and a goatee. The animals depicted include a horse, bull, dog, bird,and lion. The human figures include men and women in native costumes, all involved in some kind of activity (woman standing on horse's back, small child appearing to be flying). The bank has a very dark patina, with a satiny finish, and there is some slight wear on higher surfaces from being handled. There is a crack that runs along the bottom, visible in a close up photo of the woman on the horse, but it seems to be stable. There are no other condition problems. These carved banks were created in Mexico, in the 19th century, and are relatively rare, as they tend to be fragile, and were often broken to retrieve coins inside. This one is truly a treasure, with wonderful carving and high degree of reticulated open work. Additional photos are available on request.
Measuring approximately 5' x 3", this finely carved and reticulated coconut bank is one of the finest we have ever seen, with the entire surface filled with carving and openwork. There are three oval cartouches with a complex scene of people, animals, items of the era, and foliate designs. In addition, all other areas have similar carvings with textured surface in background areas. They eyes are shell, mother of pearl. The face and mouth resemble a fish, with scales, but also depict a nose and mustache. The opposite end is also in face form with stylized eyes, a nose, and a goatee. The animals depicted include a horse, bull, dog, bird,and lion. The human figures include men and women in native costumes, all involved in some kind of activity (woman standing on horse's back, small child appearing to be flying). The bank has a very dark patina, with a satiny finish, and there is some slight wear on higher surfaces from being handled. There is a crack that runs along the bottom, visible in a close up photo of the woman on the horse, but it seems to be stable. There are no other condition problems. These carved banks were created in Mexico, in the 19th century, and are relatively rare, as they tend to be fragile, and were often broken to retrieve coins inside. This one is truly a treasure, with wonderful carving and high degree of reticulated open work. Additional photos are available on request.