A superb Punu figure

This lot has been removed from the website, please contact customer services for more information

Lot 700
A superb Punu figure
height 13 ½in

US$ 100,000 - 150,000
£ 82,000 - 120,000
Property from the collection of Lillian and Robert Bohlen
A superb Punu figure
Gabon, exceptionally rendered in a medium brown hardwood, with finely striated classic raised central sugar-loaf coif with side locks, the pensive face with coffee-bean eyes and delicate incised brows. The nose and mouth delicately and sensually rendered. The body with pointed breasts, and protruding navel, decorated with asymmetrical scarification and indications of anklets above the feet. The proper right arm enigmatically conceived as smaller and bent, yet without any indication of past damage. Overall fine patina of age and use.
height 13 ½in

Footnotes

  • Provenance:
    Collected by a Belgian forestry agent in Gabon, prior to 1935
    Jean Pierre Jernander: Brussels, Comte Baudouin de Grunne (1988): Brussels, Philippe Guimiot: Brussels

    This lot is accompanied by a letter of authentication by Louis Perrois.

    This figure will be included in the forthcoming volume on Punu sculpture by Louis Perrois, to be published by 5 continents Press, Milan.

    Collectors are always looking for “sweet” or “classic” Punu masks comparable to the famous Helena Rubenstein example. In this standing female figure, with its unique pedigree, these qualities are present and exceptional, even if we compare it with a comparable yet “tougher” piece which in the 2006 Verite sale, (lot 184), was bought for 250,000 euros.

    Michael Kan, 2008
A superb Punu figure
A superb Punu figure
Auction information

This sale is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future sales, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this sale, please contact customer services.

Buyers' Obligations

ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.

If you have any complaints or questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest customer services team.

Buyers' Premium and Charges

For all Sales categories excluding Arms & Armour, Coins and Medals, Motor Cars, Motorcycles, Wine & Whisky

27.5% on the first $25,000 of the hammer price;
26% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of $25,000 up to and including $1,000,000;
20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of $1,000,000 up to and including $6,000,000;
and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of $6,000,000.

Payment Notices

Payment for purchases may be made in or by (a) cash, (b) cashier's check or money order, (c) personal check with approved credit drawn on a U.S. bank, (d) wire transfer or other immediate bank transfer, or (e) Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit, charge or debit card for returning clients only. Please note that the amount of cash notes and cash equivalents that can be accepted from a given purchaser may be limited.

Shipping Notices

If you have requested a shipping quote, we will send this to you via email within 5 business days of the auction ending.

Please note our shipping quotes are bespoke and require special care and handling from our team and shippers. Shipping will be booked after payment is received. Please allow 7-14 business days from the time of booking for packing and dispatch, depending on your chosen shipping method. If your purchase is time sensitive, or you wish to explore other options, please see our list of alternative third party shippers in New York and Los Angeles who may be able to assist you.

If you have any questions, please contact our Client Services team.

App