Vintage Hand-Carved Hawaiian Wood Trinket Jar
Decorative art, turned and carved wood vessel with lid • Anonymous artisan, likely produced by a Hawaiian craft workshop (e.g., Blair Hawaii or similar souvenir producers)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern Tiki Folk Art / Hawaiian Vernacular
Medium & Technique
Monkeypod or Acacia wood; lathe-turned and hand-carved with a stained and polished finish
Creation Period
circa 1950s–1970s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 5 to 6 inches in height; 5 inches in diameter; spherical format
Subject Description
A globular wooden jar featuring the word 'HAWAII' carved in relief in a stylized block font. The body is decorated with arched patterns and the lid features radial notched carvings and a simple cylindrical knob.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing typical signs of age-related wear including minor surface abrasions and dust accumulation
Estimated Market Value
$25 - $45 USD
Auction Estimate
$15 - $30 USD
Provenance History
Likely purchased as a souvenir in Hawaii during the mid-20th century; currently appearing in a secondary market/thrift retail environment as indicated by the price tags
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the mid-20th century 'Tiki culture' boom in the United States, illustrating the commercialization of Pacific Island aesthetics for the burgeoning tourism market following Hawaiian statehood.
Notable Features
Distinctive raised relief carving of 'HAWAII'; original retail tags suggest a 'MCM' (Mid-Century Modern) classification by the current seller
Condition Issues
Minor surface scratches, possible drying of the wood oils, and slight scuffing on the carved relief of the letters
Conservation Recommendations
Clean with a soft, lint-free cloth and apply a food-safe mineral oil or wood conditioner to restore luster and prevent cracking