Handmade artisanal koa wood bowl with natural edge and decorative turquoise and lapis lazuli gemstone inlay. Hand-turned, sanded and polished in Hawaii by professional artist and bowl turner Llosh Winne.
Koa is a rare, highly valued Hawaiian hardwood, endemic to the Hawaiian islands and known as one of the most spectacular hardwoods in the world. Treasured by Native Hawaiians, in ancient days, koa wood was only allowed to be used by the Ali’i, or Hawaiian royalty, a crime punishable by death if a commoner used this precious wood. In modern times, koa is still so rare and highly valued that it is a protected wood, illegal to cut down. It can only be harvested if it falls naturally, and even then, a permit is needed to remove this sacred wood. Koa is one of the most valuable woods in the world.
Inspired by Japanese Kintsugi, imperfections in the wood are rendered beautiful by being decorated with fine turquoise and lapis lazuli gemstone inlay. As a philosophy, Japanese kintsugi treats breakage and repair as an honorable and beautiful part of the history of an object that enhances, rather than diminishes, the value.
The artist embraces the raw, natural state of the
wood, letting it be what it is, viewing imperfections as a beautiful part of the woods history.
Polished with organic, food safe finishes
6.5 inches wide x 4 inches tall
