Someone's mother and father walked through Manila in 1969 and found this. They wrote on the bottom in blue marker before they gave it to Barbara: Mona Lisa. From Mother & Dad. Manila — Philippines — 1969.
The carver's name is not recorded. The wood is a warm Philippine hardwood, hand-carved into a female bust in the tradition of Modigliani — the elongated neck, the simplified face with its knowing expression, the hair swept up by one raised hand. The reverse is a second form, more abstract: a torso carved from the same block, as if the figure contains two women, or two ways of seeing the same woman.
It came from a Salvation Army in Novi, Michigan, in May 2025.
Hunter's Notes
Hunter's notes pending.
The Archive Record — JLM-260034
| Maker |
Unknown — Philippine carver, Manila |
| Established |
Unknown |
| Object |
Decorative sculptural bust |
| Material |
Philippine hardwood — hand-carved |
| Construction |
Hand-carved; dual-form — bust on obverse, abstract torso on reverse |
| Era |
1969 | confidence: confirmed |
| Country of Origin |
Philippines — confirmed |
| Condition Tier |
Excellent |
| Condition |
Inscription on base present and legible: "Mona Lisa. From Mother & Dad. Manila — Philippines — 1969." Carving intact throughout, no damage. Wood surface warm and stable. |
| Hunt Provenance |
Salvation Army, Novi, Michigan — May 2025; inscribed base: "Manila — Philippines — 1969 / From Mother & Dad / Mona Lisa / For Barbara" |
| Authentication |
Maker's inscription on base — dated, located, gift provenance confirmed |
| Comparable Sold |
$45–$85 (eBay — May 2026) |
| JLM Price |
$65 |
| Food Safe |
not applicable |
| Lead Risk |
no |
| Child Safe |
yes |
| Gift Idea |
Art Collector, Travel Memorabilia, Shelf Decor |
Product Specs
| Dimensions |
3″ D × 4″ W × 8.5″ H |
| Weight |
0.75 lb |
