A large hand-carved grain storage vessel from Nagaland in Northeast India, dating from approximately the 1930s–60s.

Originally made as a practical household object, the vessel would have been used for storing rice, grain and other dry foodstuffs. It is carved and hollowed from a single substantial section of Hollock wood, with the thickness of the original timber still clearly evident around the rim.

The construction is remarkably direct. The cylindrical body has been worked entirely by hand, retaining the irregularities of the timber and the marks left during its making and subsequent use. Three short integral feet raise the vessel slightly from the ground, giving what is essentially a very simple utilitarian object a surprisingly strong sculptural form.

The surface is especially appealing. Rather than having been refined or polished, it retains a deeply textured and uneven finish, with variations in colour, wear and patination developed over many decades. The interior similarly retains the marks of its original construction and use.

Although originally made for grain storage, the scale and simplicity of the form allow the vessel to work equally well today as a sculptural object, container or planter.

Two closely related vessels are currently available, each individually hand carved and differing slightly in its proportions and surface. This is the taller of the two examples. The first and final photographs show both vessels together for comparison.

Viewing is warmly welcomed at our West London showroom.

High-resolution photographs, detailed condition reports and video inspections are available upon request.

We offer local, national and international shipping.

Please contact us for further information or to arrange a private viewing.