Large Wabi Sabi Wooden Bowl, Indonesia Early 19th Century
















Large Wabi Sabi Wooden Bowl, Indonesia Early 19th Century
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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur
Wabi-sabi is an ancient Japanese philosophy that can be applied within interior design, and to anyone’s lifestyle as a whole. It is the practice of appreciating and accepting the beauty in simplicity, imperfections, and age. The expression defines the core principles behind this bowl’s aesthetic: minimalism, humbleness, and being in tune with nature, whilst appreciating the beauty of patina and wear. It takes inspiration from nature, which is rarely perfect or symmetrical and eventually decays.
In the absence of modern polished surfaces, this bowl has textural, rough edges and surfaces, while the wooden material takes pride in its qualities. The construction strips back the unnecessary, showcasing only the essential elements of it. The wood is left in its natural form as much as possible, while also prioritising functionality and longevity. Long before the mid-century, Asian designers and craftsmen believed that furniture should be shorn of aesthetic detail and represent the marriage of form and function. This bowl, lacking decoration but not aesthetic details, is a beautiful example of this mindset and the timeless charm of traditional craftsmanship.
The appreciation of rustic simplicity and craftsmanship has never completely gone out of style, but rather, in recent years, it saw an increase. Adding pieces, like this to a contemporary interior not only creates a diverse and interesting aesthetic, it also reminds that perfection cannot be reached and perhaps should not even be the goal. Instead, recognising the beauty of the imperfect created by nature and reformed by a craftsman can bring happiness into everyday life.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The bowl has recently been reconditioned. The item has some cracks. Due to the nature and age of the material, this item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
19.30 in ⌀ x 9.65 in H
49 cm ⌀ x 24.5 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This beautiful tray, produced in Spain in the second half of the 20th century, is a refined example of decorative craftsmanship paired with functional design. In 1798, the Valentí family started its first silversmith workshop in Barcelona. In 1925 Fernando Valentí Clúa, founder of the current Valentí, was born. Since then, they have created a company with a solid handcraft foundation, influenced by the decorative arts and the renaissance of craftsmanship applied to modernity.
The tray has a broad, elongated oval shape with a shallow interior and gently raised sides. Its outline has a natural flow, showing its handcrafted nature. The inside has a rich, warm golden brass surface, dramatically enhanced by areas of turquoise. Across the bottom of the tray, the brass almost melts across the blue surface. The pattern it creates is effortlessly organic. The exterior displays a continuous turquoise finish, making the distinction between the inside and outside especially striking. The smooth, shallow form allows the different surfaces to remain clearly visible, while also working functionally as a tray. The combination of materials gives the piece a memorable example of Spanish mid-century decorative metalwork.
Decorative objects of this kind are particularly appealing for their ability to introduce colour, texture and material contrast into an interior. This Valentí tray is an excellent centrepiece for a coffee table, dining table or sideboard, where its richly patterned interior can be appreciated from above. It can also serve as a decorative catchall or simply be displayed as an object in its own right.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature of material, the item has some marks, scratches, and discolouration.