Pair of Owen Mapp carved bone pots featuring octopus tentacles

Finding this pair of incredible carved pots by Owen Mapp was such a thrill. They are incredible!

For those who aren't familiar with his work master bone carver Owen Mapp, CNZM, began carving bone and ivory in the 1960s. He has developed his practice and passion for the art form over 50-plus years, creating original works that are strongly influenced by Māori history, concepts, and design; as well as Scandinavian, Asian, and Japanese netsuke designs, symbolism, and traditions. Pātaka held a major retrospective exhibition in 2018 - OWEN MAPP: Dragons & Taniwha – 50 Years an Artist Carver celebrating his groundbreaking achievements as the country’s first professional contemporary artist carver of bone and the important influence he has had on the many carvers who have followed him. The exhibition was accompanied by a publication of the same name. 

I can't estimate the time it would have taken to carve these incredible pots, but it must surely have been substantial. The surface is so smooth and they are a joy to hold in your hand. While the two pieces are clearly a pair, each is also unique with subtle differences in the design and position of the tentacles. There is a true virtuosity to the carving. Each pot features an external section where a tentacle has been carved clear of the pot creating a tunnel through the bone. Every surface has been beautifully finished. There is a design inside each pot and on the bottom of both pots that incorporates Mapp's signature swirling OM. 

It will be hard to part with these stunning New Zealand artworks. They are truly treasures.