Lot 62
  • 62

Spatule à chaux, Aire Massim , Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 EUR
bidding is closed

Description

  • Spatule à chaux, Aire Massim
  • haut. 28,5 cm
  • 11 1/5 in

Provenance

Maurice Joy, Londres
Collection Harry Beran, Cambridge (HB331)
Collection Marcia et John Friede, New York

Condition

Very good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Le manche très finement ouvragé se distingue par l'ampleur de son motif ornemental représentant, dans le mouvement des lignes entrelacées, un oiseau vu de profil. La très belle opposition entre la densité du décor linéaire sculpté et gravé, et les ajoures ponctuant la composition, est mise en valeur par la patine brillante du bois d'ébène. Selon Harry Beran (1996 : 245-247), le motif de l'oiseau constitue l'un des thèmes les plus classiques du sud de l'aire Massim, notamment dans la sculpture des proues de pirogues. 

Lime spatula, Massim, Papua New Guinea

The very finely carved handle, distinguished by the extent of its ornamental motifs, represents, in the movement of interlaced lines, a bird seen in profile. An extraordinarily beautiful opposition exists between the density of the carved and engraved linear decoration, and the openwork which punctuates the composition, enhanced by a brilliant patina of ebony wood. According to Harry Beran (1996: 245-247), the bird motif is one of the most classical themes of the southern Massim area, notably in the sculpting of pirogue prows.

(C) 2025 Sotheby's
All alcoholic beverage sales in New York are made solely by Sotheby's Wine (NEW L1046028)