Desk Set, 20th Century
Māori style; England
Wood, glass, abalone shell and metal; 3 1/4 × 14 …

Writing Desk Set

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-writing implements

Culture Māori style

Date20th Century

Made AtEngland, Europe

MediumWood, glass, abalone shell and metal

Dimensionsa: 3 1/4 × 14 5/8 × 9 1/8 in. (8.3 × 37.1 × 23.2 cm)
b: 1 3/8 × 3 × 3 in. (3.5 × 7.6 × 7.6 cm)
c: 1/2 × 2 3/8 × 2 7/8 in. (1.3 × 6 × 7.3 cm)
d: 1 3/8 × 3 × 3 in. (3.5 × 7.6 × 7.6 cm)
e: 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 3 in. (1.3 × 6.4 × 7.6 cm)
f: 3/8 × 3/8 × 6 in. (1 × 1 × 15.2 cm)
g: 3/8 × 3/8 × 7 3/8 in. (1 × 1 × 18.7 cm)

Credit LineGift of the Joseph and Barbara Goldenberg Estate

Object number2010.15.9a-g

DescriptionDespite the style of this desk set, inscriptions on the glass inkwells indicate that it was made in England. Britain colonized New Zealand in 1841 and by the end of the century retailers began selling curios and western furnishings with the high relief carvings, abalone shell inlay, and tattooed figures seen in Māori artwork.

On View

On view