Handle from a Betel Nut Crusher

Lombok, Indonesia
19th c

Provenance: Catherine Cootner, San Francisco

Carved from buffalo horn, this handle is a tour de force.  Its sculpture is both compact and powerful and has fluid movement throughout.  Its composition consists of a seated figure with crossed arms and pug-like nose, surmounted by an opened beaked and ferocious looking bird. Clearly used over a very long period of time, its surface is very well worn and it has a beautiful deep and handled patina.