A CARVED COCO-DE-MER (LODOICEA MALDIVICA)

WEST COAST OF INDIA OR CEYLON, 19TH CENTURY

Details

A CARVED COCO-DE-MER (LODOICEA MALDIVICA)
WEST COAST OF INDIA OR CEYLON, 19TH CENTURY
Of typical form opening to the top on both sides, the top carved with stylised birds, the body with figures within arches, supported on four elephants and profusely carved foliate base
18 in. (46 cm.) high; 13½ in. (34.2 cm.) wide

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

View condition report

Lot Essay

The Coco de Mer is a palm endemic to the islands of Praslin and Curieuse in the Seychelles. Until the true source of the nut was discovered in 1768, it was believed by many to grow on a mythical tree at the bottom of the sea. European collectors in the sixteenth century would often have the shells of the nut cleaned and decorated with valuable jewels.

More from Out of the Ordinary

View All