Deux cuillers, Tsonga, Afrique du Sud

Christine Valluet, Paris
Collection Patrick Caput, Paris
Yann Ferrandin, Paris
Serge Schoffel, Paris
Collection privée

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture: a few small chips, small open crack to the bowl of the smaller spoon, visible in the catalogue illustration. Fine nuanced 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. 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."

Si le motif de la chaîne - suggérant l'entrave - constitue un thème connu de l'art Tsonga, il s'applique le plus souvent aux tabatières doubles, et très exceptionnellement, comme ici, aux cuillers. A la virtuosité de la sculpture - monoxyle - s'ajoute l'expression la plus classique de la statuaire Tsonga, notamment dans les yeux profondément ciselés, incrustés de graines. Les cuillers, objets strictement personnels, se déclinent en Afrique du Sud dans une infinie variété de formes. Très rares sont cependant celles sculptées de motifs figuratifs, et plus encore, les cuillers figuratives doubles. Très belle patine d'usage, brun foncé.