Cup-bearing statue - Luba - DR Congo
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 400 - € 450
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Description from the seller
Cup-bearing statue – Luba – Democratic Republic of the Congo
A work of memory and prestige, at the heart of Luba tradition.
Property of a seasoned Belgian collector, amassed over many years of collecting.
This Luba statue bearing a cup stands out for the quality of its sculpture and the expressive intensity of its face, at once calm, focused, and deeply embodied. The kneeling figure, emblematic of Luba art, evokes humility, respect, and the transmission of knowledge. The cup held against the abdomen refers to receptacles of memory and to symbolic containers associated with rites of power, divination, and the legitimacy of chiefs.
The face, finely molded, presents realistic and sensitive features: penetrating gaze, discreet mouth, controlled volumes. The whole is carried by an ancient, dark, and nuanced patina, revealing prolonged ritual use. The balance of proportions, the sobriety of the body, and the silent presence of the figure place this work within the sought-after Luba corpus, at the crossroads of spirituality, aesthetics, and symbolic function. A carefully crafted, authentic, and profoundly expressive piece, ideal for a demanding collection.
Introduction to our expertise firm
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a customer satisfaction rate close to 100%.
We regularly assist with liquidations, estates, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is designed to be rigorous, transparent and accessible, with sales often offered without a reserve price.
Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.
Shipping insured within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance, and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
Cup-bearing statue – Luba – Democratic Republic of the Congo
A work of memory and prestige, at the heart of Luba tradition.
Property of a seasoned Belgian collector, amassed over many years of collecting.
This Luba statue bearing a cup stands out for the quality of its sculpture and the expressive intensity of its face, at once calm, focused, and deeply embodied. The kneeling figure, emblematic of Luba art, evokes humility, respect, and the transmission of knowledge. The cup held against the abdomen refers to receptacles of memory and to symbolic containers associated with rites of power, divination, and the legitimacy of chiefs.
The face, finely molded, presents realistic and sensitive features: penetrating gaze, discreet mouth, controlled volumes. The whole is carried by an ancient, dark, and nuanced patina, revealing prolonged ritual use. The balance of proportions, the sobriety of the body, and the silent presence of the figure place this work within the sought-after Luba corpus, at the crossroads of spirituality, aesthetics, and symbolic function. A carefully crafted, authentic, and profoundly expressive piece, ideal for a demanding collection.
Introduction to our expertise firm
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a customer satisfaction rate close to 100%.
We regularly assist with liquidations, estates, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is designed to be rigorous, transparent and accessible, with sales often offered without a reserve price.
Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.
Shipping insured within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance, and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
Details
Indigenous object name
Cup-bearing statue
Ethnic group/ culture
Luba
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Height
29 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
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