A bowl engraved with basketry motifs The talent of Kuba craftsmen is well known, and they excel in particular in the great art of basketry, and this ancient bowl should hold our attention far beyond its prestigious provenance. The carved and engraved motif of this bowl, imitating the art of basketry, is skilful and more complex than it first appears. It deserves careful reading, and is reminiscent of the basketry and weaving art of the Shoowa, who are less well known than the Kuba, as Georges Meurant, one of the best connoisseurs of the arts of these regions, has written. Kuba, Democratic Republic of Congo Wood, old inventory numbers inscribed underneath, including 38 written in red, very fine patina from use. H. 13.5 cm and D. 12 cm See p. 7 n° 18 for a shoowa wickerwork box similar in shape to this bowl in: Art Kuba, Crédit Communal, Georges Meurant, Ed. 1986 Provenance : - Tristan Tzara Collection - Collection Jean Roudillon (acquired by exchange with the latter)