The elongated oval nut caved with a bugbear* type face at one end,
and having a stopper at the other,
that end also resembling a face,
using the natural shape to form “eyes”, a protruding nose and mouth,
the sides elaborately carved with a seated winged angel being kissed
by a hunting hound
and sided by fruiting trees (probably
pomegranate),
the reverse with a musical medallion depicting a harp,
lute and flutes, all below a row of large tropical leaves
* “A bugbear, also called a boogerbear, is a legendary
creature comparable to the bogeyman, bogey, bugaboo, hobgoblin and
other creatures of folklore, all of which were historically used in
some cultures to frighten disobedient children. In medieval England,
for instance, the Bugbear was a creepy and gigantic bear that lurked
in the woods; children were warned not to stray too far from home or
misbehave, for "the Bugbear will get you." In a modern context, the
term bugbear serves as a metaphor for something which is annoying or
irritating.” (Wiki)
The coquilla nut emanates from
swampy areas on the eastern side of South America, from a palm known
as the “attalea funiefera”. Brazilians call it “Piassabe”. The nuts
were introduced into Western Europe in the mid-16th century, and used for small carved objects until the end of the 19th century.
For a discussion on coquilla nuts, see Pinto, Treen and
Other Wooden Bygones,
pp 194-6, and Plates 250 -207.
Plates
206-7 show similarly carved nuts – K-M (Pl. 207) carved with
“bugbear” faces.
Condition : Very good to excellent, with old nicks, scratches and shrinkage cracks
appropriate to age and usage
3.5” Long / 2.6 oz.
SOLD
#6741
Please Inquire
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