Carved Exotica: Coquilla Nut Pomander Pendant

Hand carved objects using unusual materials have long been under-appreciated. Often relegated to folk art associated with farmers, hobos and sailors, ancient Chinese families devoted lifetimes to the art of carving walnuts and peach pits into magnificent pieces considered to be very fashionable by the rich and elite of a number of dynasties.

The hand carving of the coquilla nut manifested into quite a number of objects which included snuff boxes, needle cases and bottles. The fruit of the Brazilian palm tree, the nut itself is very hard and is colored a richly streaked brown that can be polished to a very high sheen. Sailors (especially the French) at sea often whittled the coquilla nut as well as whale teeth and bone into gifts and treasures for their families.

What we have here is more unusual and more refined than a sailor’s naïve rendering in the form of jewelry more akin to the objects made by the ancient Chinese artists. With the addition of 18k yellow gold the humble coquilla nut has been transformed into a perfume or scent bottle meant to be worn as a pendant. The tiny gold crowned cap is attached by gold chain and uncorks.

Hanging from three length of gold chain, the pendant is embellished with cross hatched designs within triangle shapes, square and scallop configurations as well as reeded design ornament the surface. Six plain and scalloped gold plaques encircle the piece and add eye-catching detail. Please note that the three circular areas of inset coquilla nut around the middle appear to be original to the work, as they have been carved in the same manner as the rest of the exquisite hand work.

Condition: Excellent; a tad bit of misshaped gold at the base.

Measurements: 2-1/2 inches (6.3 cm) in total length including chains by 7/8 of an inch (2.3 cm) at the widest. Has a weight of 7.0 grams.

Date: First half of the 19th century