Royal Cup - Kuba Kete - DR Congo
00
days
06
hours
38
minutes
14
seconds
Current bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 230 - € 280
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Description from the seller
Very beautiful Kuba-Kete palm wine cup from the Democratic Republic of Congo, eloquently illustrating the refinement of prestige arts developed within the Kuba kingdoms.
More than a simple vessel, this type of object participated in ceremonies, exchanges of prestige and the ritual consumption of palm wine, a drink associated with authority, hospitality and social relations.
This cup is distinguished by its remarkable anthropomorphic design. The vessel rests on a sculpted human figure with great mastery, whose deliberately stylized proportions convey the aesthetic canons specific to Kuba workshops. The face, particularly expressive, draws attention with almond-shaped eyes outlined by geometric motifs, its serene gaze and its delicately sculpted mouth. The finely latticed hairstyle, surmounted by the cup itself, testifies to meticulous craftsmanship and a decorative exploration that is particularly accomplished.
The long fluted neck creates an elegant transition between the head and the body, reinforcing the verticality of the composition. The generous volumes of the chest and legs contrast harmoniously with the delicacy of the engraved details, illustrating perfectly the balance between naturalism and stylization that characterizes high-quality Kuba productions.
The beautiful dark brown patina, deep and satin, reveals many years of handling and use. The slight wear observable on the reliefs underscores the piece’s age and highlights the quality of the sculpture.
As both a utilitarian object, a symbol of prestige and a work of art, this Kuba-Kete palm wine cup constitutes a remarkable testament to the creative genius of the Kuba kingdom’s sculptors. An elegant, expressive and authentic piece, sought after for its aesthetic quality as well as for its strong cultural and historical dimension.
Overview of our expert house
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for more than 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, successions and dispersions of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is 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 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.
Very beautiful Kuba-Kete palm wine cup from the Democratic Republic of Congo, eloquently illustrating the refinement of prestige arts developed within the Kuba kingdoms.
More than a simple vessel, this type of object participated in ceremonies, exchanges of prestige and the ritual consumption of palm wine, a drink associated with authority, hospitality and social relations.
This cup is distinguished by its remarkable anthropomorphic design. The vessel rests on a sculpted human figure with great mastery, whose deliberately stylized proportions convey the aesthetic canons specific to Kuba workshops. The face, particularly expressive, draws attention with almond-shaped eyes outlined by geometric motifs, its serene gaze and its delicately sculpted mouth. The finely latticed hairstyle, surmounted by the cup itself, testifies to meticulous craftsmanship and a decorative exploration that is particularly accomplished.
The long fluted neck creates an elegant transition between the head and the body, reinforcing the verticality of the composition. The generous volumes of the chest and legs contrast harmoniously with the delicacy of the engraved details, illustrating perfectly the balance between naturalism and stylization that characterizes high-quality Kuba productions.
The beautiful dark brown patina, deep and satin, reveals many years of handling and use. The slight wear observable on the reliefs underscores the piece’s age and highlights the quality of the sculpture.
As both a utilitarian object, a symbol of prestige and a work of art, this Kuba-Kete palm wine cup constitutes a remarkable testament to the creative genius of the Kuba kingdom’s sculptors. An elegant, expressive and authentic piece, sought after for its aesthetic quality as well as for its strong cultural and historical dimension.
Overview of our expert house
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for more than 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, successions and dispersions of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is 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 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
Royal Cup
Ethnic group/ culture
Kuba Kete
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
33 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
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