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83 - Anthropomorphic bowl Kuba kingdom, D.R. Congo (Western Kasai…
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Estimate €1,000 - €1,500
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Description
Anthropomorphic bowl Kuba kingdom, D.R. Congo (Western Kasai) Material: Wood with old patina. Provenance: Former collection of Edmond Verfaillie (1892-1962), a prominent figure associated with the major Belgian companies operating in the Belgian Congo under the administration of the Belgian state. companies operating in the Belgian Congo under Belgian state administration, notably Forminière and Union Minière. Forminière and Union Minière. Preserved by family descent. This ancient provenance is part of a particularly coherent and well-documented collection. Dimensions: H. 28cm. Among the most emblematic forms of art in the Kuba Kingdom are the anthropomorphic palm wine goblets. These were prestigious objects associated with the elite and dignitaries. The vast majority majority of these vessels feature schematic or partially developed figures. The where the body is represented in its entirety, with arms, legs and feet carefully feet, are considerably rarer. The work presented here belongs precisely to this select group. At first glance, the quality of execution is obvious. The face, with its remarkable finesse, reveals a particularly accomplished sculptor. sculptor: the eyes stretched out under powerful superciliary arches, the subtle modelling of the nose subtle modelling of the nose, the half-open mouth revealing the teeth and the meditative expression of the and the figure's meditative expression all bear witness to an uncommon mastery. The whole gives off an almost human presence, imbued with a restrained emotion rarely found in Central African Central African utilitarian sculpture. The posture contributes greatly to this impression. The crossed arms frame the face in a gesture of reflection or contemplation, while the proportions of the body, balanced and natural and natural, reflect an aesthetic quest that goes far beyond the simple function of container. container. The finely engraved scarification marks on the torso and face further enrich the composition The finely engraved scarification marks on the torso and face further enrich the composition, and serve as a reminder of the importance of identity markers in Kuba societies. The trunk, deeply hollowed out to hold the palm wine, retains all its original functionality, while also while demonstrating the sculptor's technical skill. This depth of hollowing without compromising the overall balance of the figure, represents a real sculptural feat. sculpture. The antique patina, accumulated over decades of use and handling, underlines every and gives the object an exceptional presence. The old wood, consistent wear and tear and and the overall harmony of the surface further enhance the impression of aesthetic maturity that emanating from this work. The most accomplished anthropomorphic Kuba bowls are now held in some of the world's most important public and private collections. in some of the world's most important public and private collections. Comparable examples in the collections of the Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam, while others have been others have been shown in leading exhibitions devoted to African art. examples that combine a complete representation of the body, high sculptural quality and an and an authentic old patina are particularly sought-after. The refinement and balance of its form, the expressive quality of its face and the remarkable mastery mastery of its production, this anthropomorphic bowl is unquestionably one of the most attractive most attractive pieces in this category. Works of this level are rare when they do appear, they naturally find their place in major collections, museum collections, museum institutions or the most demanding specialist auctions.
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About the sale ARTS OF AFRICA & OCEANIA: Three exceptional family collections
Auction location
Auction time 06/22/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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