Nepalese Serpentine Form Vine

Long, springy ribbon of metal that wiggles from top to bottom.

This serpentine vine wood piece is from Nepal, and dates to the early 20th century. Vine wood is valued for its irregular curves, which come from the way the plant climbs and twists as it grows rather than from any carving. Thin rust-brown strand with regular tight S-curves, widening into looser waves toward the top and tapering to a hooked tip at the bottom. The surface is matte and slightly rough, with no other decoration. It is 57 inches wide.

Wriggles with remarkable commitment for something so thin.