Carved Pouaka-Inspired Box by Henry Lamb

Finely carved box reminiscent of a Pouaka - carved box for storing tattooing tools., of hollowed form, squatting figure, arms resting to feet. Well-resolved naturalistic head, raised facial features and moku- to face with paua inset eyes. Lid with two figures back to back with hands holding large protruding tongue. All-over carving of triple haehae and dog-tooth notching. Mid-brown patina. Henry Lamb. Length 6.10 in. Width 5.51 in.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.

Patination / Patina - In broad terms, patination refers to the exterior surface appearance of the timber, the effect of fading caused by exposure to sunlight and air over the course of a century or more, changing the piece to a soft, mellow colour.

As patina is very difficult to replicate, it is one of the most important guides to determining the age of furniture.

Patina is also the term applied to the bloom or film found on old bronzes due to oxidisation.

This item has been included into following indexes:

Maori artefacts
- manaia (figure) 434
- tattoing equipment 18
- waka huia (box) 157