Table

New Zealand 'folk' artist Jane Brenkley carved this occasional table in 1947, using a small pocket knife. The base of the table, with its carved figure shows Brenkley's favour for carving in a style that looked traditionally Maori. She adds to the effect by giving the figure pāua shell eyes. Although her study of Maori carving is evident in the careful proportioning, she reveals herself in her faults - an over-long tongue and hands with four instead of the usual three fingers.

The European styled table top depicts the everyday activities of Maori (as Brenkley saw them) unfolding around a central water scene that is framed by a panorama of native bush. The imagery is characteristic of Brenkley's idealistic and affectionate vision of Maori life, and her genuine admiration of Maori art forms.

Brenkley's work
Brenkley was prolific in her work, using a pocket knife to carve, and colouring with a variety of vegetable dyes. Her talents were versatile - including carving, needlework, and painting. Her work is now highly regarded, and examples are highly sought after by collectors.

Jane Brenkley
(Hannah Eliza) Jane Brenkley (1882-1973) fitted her art around her eleven children, her job as the local midwife, her domestic duties, and farm work. Self taught, her work is distinctly regional, featuring the architecture and carvings of local Maori as well as native plants, animals, and landscapes. She spent her life in Hawkes Bay, a region on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island.