Post #620247 by bigbrotiki on Sun, Jan 8, 2012 7:22 PM

I wonder about that claim of the origin of that fountain. It would be interesting to find out more specific info. The main Tikis in and outside the building were carved by Milan Guanko, and Oceanic Arts outfitted the rest of the place with decor. And in all the photos I have seen of Kapu Kai interiors I have not noticed one piece of Witco.

I voice my doubts because I have seen dealers claiming that their Witco fountain hailed from Stephen Crane's Luau, which clearly never saw a piece of Witco wood inside its rattan-covered walls.

I know this owner is not aiming to sell his fountain, but the fact remains that almost no Polynesian restaurant in L.A. in the 60s had to rely on Witco decor. They had a slew of local carvers and their works available to them. During Tiki Style's heyday, the folks at Oceanic Arts looked at Witco as "tacky" and cheap - an understandable stance which I hope to have relativated somewhat with my work since. :)

If Kapu Kai son and his mom are still around here, they would be able to verify the existence of the fountain in their family establishment.