A KINGDOM OF BENIN 'PRESTIGE CHAIR' by Unknown artist
Scroll to zoom, click for slideshow

A KINGDOM OF BENIN 'PRESTIGE CHAIR' 1875 - 1925

Unknown artist

Wood
Currently unavailable via Gallerease

Zebregs & Röell - Fine Art - Antiques

  • About the artwork
    A KINGDOM OF BENIN 'PRESTIGE CHAIR'


    Late 19th/early 20th century


    On square base, each foot in the shape of a bird eating a snake, the arm-rests in the form of leopards, the back open-worked.
    Overall a nice dark patina.


    H. 71 x W. 55.5 x D. 51 cm

    Provenance:
    Jonathan Hope, bought the chair in the 1980s from John Hewettin the Grosvenor House Antique Fair.

    Note:

    The leopards as armrests are classical royal Benin style. Benin kings are often referred to as “leopards of the house”. The supports in the form of powerful birds with snakes in their beaks derive from symbols of kingship.

    In an engraving of the royal palace in Benin City published in 1668 in Olfert Dapper’s book “Naukeurige Beschrijvinge der Afrikaansche Gewesten”, enormous metal birds with outstretched wings poised on the main turrets of the palace and giant brass serpents zigzagging down the turrets, are shown.

    John Hewett was an influential dealer in primitive art and antiques from the late 1940s to the time of his death in the late 1980s. He had two galleries in London and sold many antiquities to the Burrell Collection in Glasgow, to Sir Robert Sainsbury and many other distinguished collectors such as George Ortiz. There is a chapter about John Hewett in Hermione Waterfield’s book “Provenance”.
  • About the artist

    It might happen that an artist or maker is unknown.

    Some works are not to be determined by whom it is made or it is made by (a group of) craftsmen. Examples are statues from the Ancient Time, furniture, mirroirs, or signatures that are not clear or readible but as well some works are not signed at all.

    As well you can find the following description:

    •“Attributed to ….” In their opinion probably a work by the artist, at least in part

    •“Studio of ….” or “Workshop of” In their opinion a work executed in the studio or workshop of the artist, possibly under his supervision

    •“Circle of ….” In their opinion a work of the period of the artist showing his influence, closely associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil

    •“Style of ….” or “Follower of ….” In their opinion a work executed in the artist’s style but not necessarily by a pupil; may be contemporary or nearly contemporary

    •“Manner of ….” In their opinion a work in the style of the artist but of a later date

    •“After ….” In their opinion a copy (of any date) of a work of the artist

    •“Signed…”, “Dated….” or “Inscribed” In their opinion the work has been signed/dated/inscribed by the artist. The addition of a question mark indicates an element of doubt

    •"With signature ….”, “With date ….”, “With inscription….” or “Bears signature/date/inscription” in their opinion the signature/ date/ inscription has been added by someone other than the artist

Are you interested in buying this artwork?

Artwork details

Category
Material & Technique