Candlenut Sconce - Alison Moritsugu

Candlenut Sconce

2007
24 1/2” x 48” x 24”
Kukui nuts, wood, metal

Ancient Hawaiians used the kukui nut or candlenut for medicinal purposes and as a source of light. Today, kukui nuts are polished and strung into leis to create mass-produced tourist take-homes. Candlenut Sconce’s decorative elements allude to the reign of King Kalākaua in the 1800s. Kalākaua brought back many ancient Hawaiian traditions yet surrounded himself with all the trappings of a European monarchy. Similarly, Candlenut Sconce is a confluence of influences, combining European and Hawaiian motifs with today’s tourist kitsch.

Candlenut Sconce

Candlenut Sconce

2007
24 1/2” x 48” x 24”
Kukui nuts, wood, metal

Ancient Hawaiians used the kukui nut or candlenut for medicinal purposes and as a source of light. Today, kukui nuts are polished and strung into leis to create mass-produced tourist take-homes. Candlenut Sconce’s decorative elements allude to the reign of King Kalākaua in the 1800s. Kalākaua brought back many ancient Hawaiian traditions yet surrounded himself with all the trappings of a European monarchy. Similarly, Candlenut Sconce is a confluence of influences, combining European and Hawaiian motifs with today’s tourist kitsch.

Candlenut Sconce

2007
24 1/2” x 48” x 24”
Kukui nuts, wood, metal

Ancient Hawaiians used the kukui nut or candlenut for medicinal purposes and as a source of light. Today, kukui nuts are polished and strung into leis to create mass-produced tourist take-homes. Candlenut Sconce’s decorative elements allude to the reign of King Kalākaua in the 1800s. Kalākaua brought back many ancient Hawaiian traditions yet surrounded himself with all the trappings of a European monarchy. Similarly, Candlenut Sconce is a confluence of influences, combining European and Hawaiian motifs with today’s tourist kitsch.

Candlenut Sconce

2007
24 1/2” x 48” x 24”
Kukui nuts, wood, metal

Ancient Hawaiians used the kukui nut or candlenut for medicinal purposes and as a source of light. Today, kukui nuts are polished and strung into leis to create mass-produced tourist take-homes. Candlenut Sconce’s decorative elements allude to the reign of King Kalākaua in the 1800s. Kalākaua brought back many ancient Hawaiian traditions yet surrounded himself with all the trappings of a European monarchy. Similarly, Candlenut Sconce is a confluence of influences, combining European and Hawaiian motifs with today’s tourist kitsch.