Boîte à fard, Kuba, République Démocratique du Congo

Acquise à la Pace Primitive, New York

Good condition overall; wear consistent with age and use within the culture: age crack through bottom to rim repaired with x-shaped copper tacks (indigenous repair); nicks, scratches and minor losses throughout. Crusty dark brown patina with red/violet pigments on the interior.
"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."

Telle une œuvre de maîtrise, le volume se dessine dans la combinaison des formes géométriques et la dynamique des transitions. Sans rupture ni faiblesse, elles conduisent le regard du pied carré au cylindre du réceptacle finement gravé de motifs géométriques entrelacés, puis du couvercle circulaire jusqu'à son sommet carré, surmonté d'une prise zoomorphe. La richesse du décor est accentuée par la très belle patine nuancée, brun rouge, brillante ; l'intérieur ayant conservé les traces de la poudre cosmétique tukula.

cf. Bassani (1989 : 207) pour une boîte à fard de forme et de qualité très comparables, offrant également pour prise un motif animalier.