Vintage Hand-Turned Mulberry Wood Bowl from Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan — Decorative

Vintage Hand-Turned Mulberry Wood Bowl from Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan — Decorative Ethnographic Bowl

A wonderfully tactile vintage wooden bowl from Hunza, Gilgit, hand-turned from mulberry wood and carrying all the quiet character of age, use and place. Its low, broad form, gently raised foot and simple incised ring decoration give it a beautifully rustic presence — the sort of piece that feels both practical and sculptural.

The paper label to the underside reads:

“WOOD BOWL FROM HUNZA / GILGIT / Made from Mulberry / £140”

Hunza is a mountainous valley in Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan, an area with a strong tradition of hand-carved and hand-turned wooden domestic wares. Local hardwoods such as mulberry, walnut, apricot and cherry are commonly associated with the region’s craft traditions, used for bowls, spoons, cups and household vessels. Contemporary sources on Hunza woodcraft note that mulberry is still used for handmade bowls and utensils, valued for its durability, warm grain and connection to everyday mountain life.

This example has a lovely timeworn surface: darkened outer patina, rubbed edges, visible tool lines, age marks, knots, small natural splits and a rich warm tone to the interior. It is not a polished modern studio piece — its charm lies in the honest wear, the old label, and the sense that it has travelled from a working craft tradition into decorative collecting.

It would sit beautifully on a farmhouse table, console, dresser or shelf, either empty as a sculptural object or used to hold dried botanicals, seed pods, wrapped sweets, keys or other light decorative items.

Condition:

Good vintage decorative condition with expected age-related wear. There are surface marks, rubbing, darkening, old knocks, natural grain openings and irregularities to the wood. The underside has old labels attached. Best sold as a decorative vintage wooden bowl rather than for modern food use.

Suggested price: £75–£95

I would list at £95. The old label shows a previous price of £140, but given the visible wear and current online market for handmade/vintage mulberry wooden bowls, £95 feels more realistic while still respecting its regional interest and decorative appeal. Comparable mulberry wood bowls online vary widely, with many modern or handmade examples sitting roughly between £140 and £120 depending on size, finish and provenance.

Vintage Hunza Gilgit Mulberry Wood Bowl – Hand-Turned Decorative Wooden Bowl from Northern Pakistan

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Displayed with other items illustration only

43 cm round

6 cm tall

A beautifully timeworn vintage hand-turned mulberry wood bowl from Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan. With its broad shallow form, incised ring detail, dark aged patina and original paper label, this is a wonderfully atmospheric decorative piece rooted in traditional mountain craft. Ideal for rustic interiors, collected woodenware displays or as a sculptural table piece.

Price: £95

Disclaimer: Vintage and antique items are sold as decorative collectables and may show signs of age, use and previous life. Any historical attribution is offered in good faith based on visible evidence, labels and research.