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Gallery of Uncommon Hawaiian Woods by J. Kelly Dunn

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Ili'ahi Family: Santalaceae Ili'ahi (Hawaiian Sandalwood) was harvested and exported prior to 1845. Hawaiian Sandalwood had no significant value to the islanders and was nearly decimated within 30 years. With no planting of new seedlings or forest management of these trees, the supply became exhausted. This is the first sandalwood Kelly has acquired in his 20 years as a professional turner. It is rare!

Ili'ahi Calabash 3" wide x 2" high Traditional series, aromatic $210 Purchase this Calabash

Ili'ahi 4" wide x 4" high Natural edge footed form with some curl and splits, aromatic SOLD

Ili'ahi 4 1/4" wide x 6 3/4" high Natural edge footed form with splits, aromatic $800 Purchase this Bowl

Ili'ahi Covered Calabash 3 1/2" wide x 5 3/4" high Traditional series, aromatic $700 Purchase this Calabash

Kauila Family: Rhamnaceae This is a rare native tree found only in the Hawaiian islands. The wood is very dense and sinks in water. It was valued by the Hawaiians as a tool wood - o'o bars, spears and mallets. This was a standing dead tree. It is the only Kauila that Kelly has acquired and ever expects to see. There are two species of Kauila. This is the alphitonia variety - rare but not the endangered species of Kauila.

Kauila Bowl 5 3/4" wide x 5 1/4" high Footed, natural edge with splits and 2 bug holes, some shimmer and a bit of curl $800 Purchase this Bowl

Olopua Family: Oleaceae Olopua is the only native olive tree. The wood is very dense and heavy. The Hawaiians used Olopua for tool handles. This was a standing dead tree. Kelly acquired one block and cut it into four bowl blanks. Two finished pieces are shown below, another piece is sold and he has one piece to finish. He doesn't expect to have Olopua again.

Olopua 6 1/2" wide x 3 3/4" high Natural edge round bottom form; splits and a few bug holes Shades of browns and tans. $400 Purchase this Bowl

Olopua Winged Bowl 10" wide x 7" deep x 2 1/2" high Natural edge round bottom winged form; shimmer with splits and a few bug holes Kelly created this winged form to show the entire cross section of the tree. $900 Purchase this Bowl

Kou Family: Boraginaceae Kou is considered a rare wood. It grows in the coastal regions of the Hawaiian islands. Kou was almost totally destroyed by a moth in the 1800’s. This wood was prized by Hawaiian royalty for food use: poi bowls, calabashes and utensils as Kou does not impart a taste to food. Legend says the Gods choose who can work in Kou. The dust is extremely toxic to most woodworkers. Kou is occasionally offered to Kelly. Kelly almost exclusively turns the traditional Hawaiian calabash form from Kou.

Kou Calabash 4 1/2" wide x 4 1/2" high Traditional Hawaiian form. $300 Purchase this Calabash

Kou Calabash 5 1/4" wide x 5" high Traditional Hawaiian form with bark inclusion. SOLD

Kou Covered Calabash 4 3/4" wide x 7 1/4" high Traditional Hawaiian covered form. $900 Purchase this Calabash

Kou Calabash 8 1/2" wide x 7 1/4" high Traditional Hawaiian form. $2,000 Purchase this Calabash

Pheasant Wood Family: Fabaceae This is not a common tree. Pheasant Wood has beautiful yellow flowers that bloom in late fall. It is mostly found as an ornamental yard tree. One tree of note stands at the entrance to Iolani Palace in Honolulu. Recently Kelly acquired Pheasant Wood branches trimmed away from power lines. Prior to that Kelly has had Pheasant Wood in the studio one other time. The grain is stunning. Kelly says it is exciting to see what he can expose in the grain of this wood. Kelly considers this a premium, very difficult to obtain wood.

Pheasant Wood Hollow Vessel 3 3/4" wide x 5" high Beautiful grain; 3/16" wall thickness $575 Purchase this Vessel

Pheasant Wood Bowl 7" wide x 2" high Round bottom, fantastic grain, a few big holes. $295 Purchase this Bowl

Pheasant Wood Hollow Vessel 6" wide x 5 3/4" high Beautiful grain; 3/16" wall thickness; natural splits on each side; a few bug holes. Beautiful! $1,325 Purchase this Vessel

Pheasant Wood 6 1/4" wide x 7 1/2" high Natural edge footed bowl, bug holes and natural splits through the centers on both sides. Beautiful! $700 Purchase this Bowl

Pheasant Wood Hollow Vessel 5 1/2" wide x 10" high Tall hollow form. Fantastic grain with several bug holes. $2,500 Purchase this Vessel

Pheasant Wood 4 1/4" wide x 4 1/4" high Natural edge, footed form. Bug holes and natural splits. $275 Purchase this Bowl