Tools of Utility
Showing all 13 results
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Lan Na Coconut Grater – Wild Cat
MoreVery rare, this old coconut grater (‘khood maprow’) from northern Thailand is the best we’ve seen from this area. Most are eaten away by bugs and often the animal is not even identifiable. In the form of a crouching, wild, forest cat known as ‘mayao paa’, this one is made of solid, prized Golden Teak, with lots of figure in the wood which the maker has used to enhance and accentuate the features of the cat; it is a brilliant example of artfulness in the choice of material. The sharp metal scraper forms an attractive and whimsical ‘tongue’. This handsome fellow is approximately 40-60 years old and shows very good patina from much use, along with some cracks, which do not detract.
Size: 19.5″ l x 4″ w x 5.8″ h
$335.00
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Ainu Snowshoes
MoreThe Ainu, indigenous people of the northern islands of Japan, wore snowshoes as an important part of their outdoor wear in winter, especially for hunting. Made of a special vine only found on the islands and bent to shape, the shoes are held together by rope and wire (note that one shoe has cloth cord replacing the rope on one side). Some designs, like this set, incorporate wood pegs for breaking thru hard snow and ice. One peg on each shoe is stamped “Hotai” plus Japanese characters. The darkened patina is quite attractive. Condition is excellent. These would be a wonderful addition to a collection of Japanese ‘mingei’, Ainu costume, or to a shoe collection.
Size: 14.5 x 8 x 4 inches & 14.75 x 7.75 x 4 inches
$220.00 the pair
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Canoe Paddle from Borneo
MoreNot antique, these paddles are reproductions of the everyday tools of a culture that is dependent on rivers for transport of goods and information, yet they are each artfully crafted and well-finished. Details such as carving, shape, and proportion belie their utilitarian purpose. This one has some lovely, finely carved decoration on the handle and at the top of the paddle, and the wood is finely finished. Grouped on a wall, these paddles would make a striking decorative assemblage.
Size: 39.25″ long
$100.00
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Canoe Paddle from Borneo
MoreNot antique, these paddles are reproductions of the everyday tools of a culture that is dependent on rivers for transport of goods and information, yet they are each artfully crafted and well-finished. Details such as carving, shape, and proportion belie their utilitarian purpose. Grouped on a wall, these paddles would make a striking decorative assemblage.
Size: 39.75″ long
$90.00
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Canoe Paddle from Borneo
MoreNot antique, these paddles are reproductions of the everyday tools of a culture that is dependent on rivers for transport of goods and information, yet they are each artfully crafted and well-finished. Details such as carving, shape, and proportion belie their utilitarian purpose. This one is elegantly simple with lots of texture on the paddle end. Grouped on a wall, these paddles would make a striking decorative assemblage.
Size: 42.25″ long
$90.00
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Canoe Paddle from Borneo
MoreNot antique, these paddles are reproductions of the everyday tools of a culture that is dependent on rivers for transport of goods and information, yet they are each artfully crafted and well-finished. Details such as carving, shape, and proportion belie their utilitarian purpose. This one has some lovely, finely carved decoration on the handle and at the top of the paddle. Grouped on a wall, these paddles would make a striking decorative assemblage.
Size: 39.75″ long
$90.00
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Canoe Paddle from Borneo
MoreNot antique, these paddles are reproductions of the everyday tools of a culture that is dependent on rivers for transport of goods and information, yet they are each artfully crafted and well-finished. Details such as carving, shape, and proportion belie their utilitarian purpose. Grouped on a wall, these paddles would make a striking decorative assemblage.
Size: 40.25″ long
$90.00
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Tool Handle – Snake
MoreFrom Burma, this unusual handle wraps around the wrist and probably once graced a small scythe or rice cutter. Made of bamboo, it has been curved and carved at one end to resemble a snake head. The other end is reinforced with a metal band. Folk art pieces like this look terrific mounted on a stand.
Size: 8″ x 0.85″
$75.00
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Cambodian Coconut Shell Ladle
MoreBeautifully patinated, this old ladle displays the beauty of nature in its materials- coconut shell and bamboo. Others we saw had broken edges, but this one is perfect, and a beautiful example of Cambodian utilitarian art.
Size: 14.5″ l x 4.2″ across bowl
$75.00
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Hook for Mosquito Net
MoreMade of cast bronze, this handsome piece of vintage hardware came from Sumatra, in Indonesia. We were told that it was for suspending a mosquito net. It is nicely shaped and has attractive decoration reminiscent of some jewelry designs. The weight indicates quality craftsmanship. This one shows more wear than its sibling (AO381). There are numerous creative uses for this unusual item. Make it yours and enjoy its uniqueness.
Size: 2.25″ x 5.3″ / 6cm x 13.3cm
$70.
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Hook for Mosquito Net
MoreMade of cast brass, this handsome piece of vintage hardware came from Sumatra, in Indonesia. We were told that it was for suspending a mosquito net. It is nicely shaped and has attractive decoration reminiscent of some jewelry designs. The weight indicates quality craftsmanship. There are numerous creative uses for this unusual item. Make it yours and enjoy its uniqueness. (See AO381 for its sibling)
Size: 2.25″ x 5.5″ / 6cm x 14cm
$70.
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Old Coconut Spoons from Timor
MoreProbably from the traditional village of Boti, in central, mountainous Timor, this set of three spoons shows the attention to detail given to everyday objects by the Timorese people. Utilizing the rounded shape of the inner coconut shell (‘tempurung’), they cut and carve lovely decorative shapes for the handles and spoon bowls. These are old and show use. 3 sets available, but designs vary slightly; please allow us to choose a nice selection for you.
Size: 4 in. x 2.25 in (largest)
$55.00 Set of 3
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Old Coconut Spoon from Timor
MoreDecorated with the head of a cat as the handle, this unique old spoon probably came from the traditional village of Boti, in central, mountainous Timor. It is a whimsical example of the imagination and attention to detail given to everyday objects by the Timorese people. Utilizing the rounded shape of the inner coconut shell (‘tempurung’), they cut and carve unusual decorative shapes for the handles. This one is old and shows use.
Size: 3.75 in. long x 1.75 in. wide x 2 in. high
$25.00