Kuba cup, Democratic Republic of Congo - Lot 50

Kuba cup, Democratic Republic of Congo Wood H. 18 cm Provenance - Merton Simpson (1928-2013), New-York - Marceau Rivière, Paris. Acquired ca. 1980 This remarkable Kuba anthropomorphic bowl, probably intended for a high dignitary, is in keeping with the aesthetic codes characteristic of Kuba court productions. The triangular face features coffee-bean eyes underlined by eyebrows forming a continuous arc. The short, blunt nose tops a small mouth with finely hemmed lips. The carefully treated ears contribute to the harmonious balance of the whole. The hairstyle, organized in a regular grid pattern, is bordered by a wide, delicately incised line that structures the composition. The cylindrical neck, which serves as a base, is pierced with four holes, presumably for attaching the object to a support. A discreet decorative register enlivens its border. The finesse of the modeling, the precision of the engraving and the balance of proportions give this piece a rare formal quality. The deep, glossy patina of the wood completes the elegance of this work, a testament to the refinement and virtuosity of the Kuba workshops.