Description:

**This item is heavy/oversized and will require 3rd party shipping. Please inquire about shipping cost prior to bidding.**

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire), Kuba / Shoowa people, ca. early 20th century CE. A framed textile known as "Kasai velvet" (Velours du Kasai) woven from raffia palm leaves, using cut-pile and embroidery techniques to create bold geometric patterns. This textile is 2 separate panels that are sewn together, the seam running vertically from the tassel end. The making of such a textile is a laborious team effort: traditionally the cloth is woven by Kuba men on a single heddle loom using raffia-tree leaves and hand-dyed using mud, indigo, or the powdered bark of the camwood tree. Next, they are embroidered by women and children to create either an uncut or a cut-pile appearance. Interweaving of fine fibers creates the "velvet" texture of these cloths. This piece is ready to display and the patterning has a modernist feel - Henri Matisse was profoundly impacted by his collection of Kuba cloth! Size of textile: 32" L x 13" W (81.3 cm x 33 cm); frame: 42" L x 22.5" W (106.7 cm x 57.2 cm)

Please note that this item is heavy/oversized. Please inquire about shipping prior to bidding.

Provenance: ex-Royal Athena Galleries, New York City, New York, USA; ex-Bonhams, London, acquired in April, 1989.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#178420

  • Condition: Not examined outside of frame. Some wear and fraying to fibers, but otherwise intact and very good. Professionally mounted in a modern frame under glass and ready to display!

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October 12, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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