Rug - 415 cm - 59 cm - Kasai
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€ 1
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Selected by Richard Ebbers
Certified appraiser at Federation TMV with 30 years' professional antiques experience.
Estimate € 380 - € 450
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Kasai, a handwoven ritual textile from the Kasai region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, made of raffia fibre, measures 415 cm by 59 cm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Extraordinary and exceptional specimen of Kasai ritual fabric (Kuba / Shoowa area, D.R. Congo) of monumental length (over 4 meters).
Kasai textiles are considered among the highest expressions of African textile art, known for having captivated and influenced the great masters of Western modern art (including Paul Klee and Henri Matisse) thanks to their extraordinary geometric and compositional complexity. The piece is made entirely by hand according to a complex traditional technique.
The base is woven by men using thin natural fibers derived from raffia palm leaves.
Embroidery and appliqué, however, are elaborated by women with raised geometric motifs ("velvet effect" / velours du Kasai) dyed with natural pigments and plant extracts (tones of dark brown, ochre, cream and violet/pink accents).
The panel features a succession of squares with an ultra-sophisticated modular graphic rhythm, framed at the edges by tie-dyed motifs. Exceptional dimensions: 415 cm.
Models of this length and compositional continuity are extremely rare to find on the market.
Versatility: Perfect both as an important ethnographic collectible piece and as a scenographic element of interior architecture (to hang on the wall like a tapestry or to display on a surface).
Extraordinary and exceptional specimen of Kasai ritual fabric (Kuba / Shoowa area, D.R. Congo) of monumental length (over 4 meters).
Kasai textiles are considered among the highest expressions of African textile art, known for having captivated and influenced the great masters of Western modern art (including Paul Klee and Henri Matisse) thanks to their extraordinary geometric and compositional complexity. The piece is made entirely by hand according to a complex traditional technique.
The base is woven by men using thin natural fibers derived from raffia palm leaves.
Embroidery and appliqué, however, are elaborated by women with raised geometric motifs ("velvet effect" / velours du Kasai) dyed with natural pigments and plant extracts (tones of dark brown, ochre, cream and violet/pink accents).
The panel features a succession of squares with an ultra-sophisticated modular graphic rhythm, framed at the edges by tie-dyed motifs. Exceptional dimensions: 415 cm.
Models of this length and compositional continuity are extremely rare to find on the market.
Versatility: Perfect both as an important ethnographic collectible piece and as a scenographic element of interior architecture (to hang on the wall like a tapestry or to display on a surface).
Details
Era
After 2000
Specific region of origin
Kasai
Title additional information
Kasai
Number of objects
1
Length
415 cm
Width
59 cm
Material
Raffia fibers
Country of origin
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Condition
Overall in good condition with traces of ageing and usage
Professionally cleaned
No
Manufacturing period
21st century
Weight
300 g
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