Cup - Kuba (No reserve price)
04
days
20
hours
25
minutes
22
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 180 - € 220
No bids placed
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Cup, a Kuba (Bushoong) palm-wine ceremonial cup carved in wood, 21.5 cm high and 12 cm wide, in good condition, authentic/original, provenance: antique market.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Dear Expert,
Please find attached a rare and authentic Kuba (Bushoong) palm-wine ceremonial cup (Mbwoong Itwey).
• Exceptional size: The cup stands at 22 cm tall with an 11 cm upper diameter, which is significantly larger and more prestigious than standard field examples (usually 14–18 cm).
• Masterful geometry: It features traditional nshand / woot woven patterns in a perfect 3x4 grid structure, with a classic mhinga zigzag border. It includes a deliberate asymmetric anomaly ("artist's signature") within the upper checkerboard band.
• Colonial Provenance: The base bears a historical handwritten Latin inscription: "PAA MUZHENCE M P", indicating mid-20th-century missionary context (Mission Protestante).
• Condition: Authentic tool marks on the interior floor, fine 4–5 mm walls, beautiful dark walnut patina with natural silken sheen, and undisturbed age-crust on the bottom ring. No modern varnishes.
Thank you for considering this fine collector's piece for the premium auction.
Dear Expert,
Please find attached a rare and authentic Kuba (Bushoong) palm-wine ceremonial cup (Mbwoong Itwey).
• Exceptional size: The cup stands at 22 cm tall with an 11 cm upper diameter, which is significantly larger and more prestigious than standard field examples (usually 14–18 cm).
• Masterful geometry: It features traditional nshand / woot woven patterns in a perfect 3x4 grid structure, with a classic mhinga zigzag border. It includes a deliberate asymmetric anomaly ("artist's signature") within the upper checkerboard band.
• Colonial Provenance: The base bears a historical handwritten Latin inscription: "PAA MUZHENCE M P", indicating mid-20th-century missionary context (Mission Protestante).
• Condition: Authentic tool marks on the interior floor, fine 4–5 mm walls, beautiful dark walnut patina with natural silken sheen, and undisturbed age-crust on the bottom ring. No modern varnishes.
Thank you for considering this fine collector's piece for the premium auction.
Details
Number of objects
1
Ethnic group/ culture
Kuba
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Cup
Height
21.5 cm
Width
12 cm
Weight
0.6 kg
Provenance
Antique market
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
