Chaise, Tshokwe, Angola

Sidney et Lillian Lichter, New York
Acquise de la galerie Entwistle, Londres

Reproduite dans:
Robbins & Nooter, African Art in American Collections, 1989 : 395, n° 1005

Good condition overall ; consistent with old age and extended use within the culture: chips and scratches; on the proper right openwork panel the left figure is broken at the waistline with the upper part missing; on the reverse openwork panel the right figure is missing. Underneath the leather seat old label with number "1454"; traces of an old label on the reverse (illegible). Aged blackened patina with nicks and scratches.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Avec son personnage se déployant en ronde-bosse dans le cadre ajouré du dossier et la richesse iconographique de ses saynètes, cette chaise de chef s'impose parmi les plus remarquables du type.

Directement inspirée d'un modèle portugais du XVII^e siècle - à dossier incliné et assise en cuir - la chaise européenne a été adoptée par les chefs Tshokwe comme symbole de pouvoir et insigne de leur autorité. Emportées par leurs détenteurs lors des migrations qui ont fait l'histoire du peuple Tshokwe, elles illustrent, dans un langage pictographique, des scènes tirées du quotidien ou du cérémonial, rappelant "les domaines dans lesquels interviennent les pouvoirs bénéfiques du chef et de ses ancêtres" (Wastiau, 2006 : 123).

A côté des scènes et des motifs classiques - tambourinaire, cavalier, quadrupèdes - se distingue une rare représentation de trois chauve-souris et, sur le dossier, la présence - magistrale - d'un danseur masqué Cihongo, symbole du pouvoir royal. A la rareté et à la richesse de l'iconographie s'ajoute ici la très grande qualité de la sculpture, jouant sur la densité des motifs et la fluidité des lignes, accentuées par la patine sombre, profonde.

cf. Jordan (1999 : n° 18) pour une chaise de chef au style et à l'iconographie comparables et Bastin (1982 : 277, n° 192) pour une autre conservée au Museu da sociedade de Geografica, attribuée par Marie-Louise Bastin au style du pays d'origine.

Chokwe chair, Angola

The figure emerging in high relief from the open-work back and the rich iconographic detail of the scenes depicted on the sides of this chair mark it out as one of the most remarkable examples of its type.

Chokwe chiefs adopted the model of a 17^th century Portuguese chair with a reclined back and leather covered seat as a symbol of their authority and power. Carried by their owners during the historic migrations of the Chokwe people these chairs depict both scenes of everyday life and ceremonial events, 'the fields in which the benficient powers of the chief and his ancestors intervene' (Wastiau, 2006: 123).

Alongside classic scenes and motifs such as a drummer, horse-rider, and quadrapeds, this chair includes a rare representation of three bats and the impressive appearance on the back of the chair of a masked Cihongo dancer, a symbol of Royal wealth and power. The rarity and richness of this iconography is complimented by the quality of the carving, which plays on the density of motifs and fluidity of lines. Fine deep, dark, patina.

cf. Jordan (1999: no. 18) for a chair of comparable style and iconography and Bastin (1982: p. 277, no. 192) for another in the Museu da Sociedade de Geografica, attributed by Marie-Louise Bastin to the Homeland Style.