A Gurage Chopping Board Chopping board Gurage, Ethiopia Mit Sockel / with base Wood. H 49 cm. Provenance: - Galerie Afrique, Alain Dufour, Ramatuelle. - Merton D. Simpson (1928-2013) Collection, New York. - Gallery Walu, Basel. Described at the Merton Simpson Gallery auction "Small and Beautiful Treasures" (17.11. 2012, lot #34 consisting of two pieces) with an estimate of USD 7'500-10'000 as follows: Large Gurague Butcher Block. Ethiopia. This item is from the New York gallery collection of Merton D. Simpson, one of the world's most respected dealers of African and tribal art. Merton D. Simpson Gallery of Tribal and Contemporary Art was established in 1954, with galleries in New York and Paris. For nearly 60 years, Merton D. Simpson has been instrumental in helping individuals and institutions worldwide to build comprehensive, culturally significant collections. At a time when African tribal and Oceanic art was a mystery to most collectors, Merton Simpson was already forging friendships with tribal leaders and establishing business relationships that allowed him access to highly important objects of unquestionable provenance. Now 83, Mr. Simpson is perhaps best known as an African art expert and gallerist, but he is also an accomplished artist in his own right. He was one of few African-American painters to receive recognition in the 1950s, and his works were included in shows at the Guggenheim and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. His prestigious list of public and private clients ranges from The United Nations (NY), The Menil Collection (Houston), Rockefeller Family Collection (NY) and Helena Rubenstein Collection (NY) to old private collections and museums in Europe. His "eye" is famous, and his expertise is highly respected, not only by numerous museum curators, but also by private collectors around the world. Merton D. Simpson is pleased to offer a selection of hand-chosen museum-quality objects of traditional African art from his gallery in the Nov. 17, 2012 auction. Estimate $7,500 - $10,000" CHF 800 / 1 200 Weight in grams: 2117 Condition: The condition of this lot (wear, signs of use, tears, any other detractions and the signs of age, etc. The condition of this lot (wear, tears, possible other impairments and signs of age, if applicable) can be seen in the photos we have uploaded for your documentation. Please do not hesitate to contact Hammer Auctions with any questions regarding this lot ([email protected]). The statements regarding the condition of the items made for the convenience of interested parties are opinions only and should not be treated as statements of fact. Hammer Auctions accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions. In the rare event that the item does not match the description in the catalog, Hammer Auctions is here to help. Buyers may return the lot for a full refund provided Hammer Auctions has been notified within 5 days of receipt of the lot.

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African Ethnograhic Art from Gérald & Muriel MINKOFF, Galerie Walu and others Swiss Private Collections.

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