An African earthenware cooking pot from Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating to approximately the 1930s–1950s.

The pot has a beautifully rounded body with a wide opening and two opposing, upward-curving handles. Each handle has a hole through which the pot would reportedly have been suspended over an open fire for cooking.

The vessel is hand-formed from earthenware and retains a wonderful blackened surface, particularly to the exterior and underside, consistent with its original use over a fire. Areas of reddish-brown clay remain visible beneath the darker surface, while the interior has a warm terracotta colour. The surface is wonderfully irregular, with variations in texture and colour that give the pot considerable character.

Although originally made as a functional cooking vessel, the simplicity of its form and the unusual sculptural handles make it a particularly attractive object in its own right.

The pot is presented in good original condition, retaining its aged surface and signs of use. The attribution to Zaire and the dating to the 1930s–1950s were provided by the previous owner and subsequently corroborated through discussions with several specialist dealers at the Tribal Art London fair.

We originally purchased this pot for our own collection rather than for sale. It is very much the sort of object we are drawn to: beautifully simple, highly decorative and with a wonderful surface acquired through years of use. We particularly like the contrast between its practical origins and its sculptural form.

The pot can be viewed at our West London showroom by appointment. We are happy to provide additional high-resolution photographs, detailed condition information or a video upon request.

Gallery Kiy offers worldwide shipping, with professional packing arranged to ensure the safe transportation of fragile objects. Please contact us for further information, shipping quotations or to arrange a private viewing.