- 165
Lega Ivory Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
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Description
- hippopotamus ivory
- Height: 5 5/8 in (14.3 cm)
carved from Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) tooth.
Provenance
English Private Collection
Peter Adler, London, acquired from the above circa 1973
Martin Lerner, New York, acquired from the above in May 1979
Peter Adler, London, acquired from the above circa 1973
Martin Lerner, New York, acquired from the above in May 1979
Condition
Excellent condition for an object of this type and age. Small marks, nicks, scratches and abrasions from age and use. Rough surface between legs. Undersides of feet with old glue. Proper right foot drilled for base pin. Small surface chip on top of head. Fine milky and honey brown patina.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The present figure is a fine example of the category first defined by Daniel Biebuyck (1986: 47) as one of the two major style groups of Lega anthropomorphic sculpture, those with "a lozenge shaped flat or round head". De Grunne (2008: 125) later refers to this group as the "Aviator Style". For seven statuettes in this style in the collection of the Musée Royal de l'Afrique Central, Tervuren, see de Grunne (ibid: 127, fig. 12); particularly close to the present figure is M.R.A.C. inv. no. "32 497".