GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This mirror case features a pair of standing male and female figures wearing waist beads, each holding the other’s shoulder with their arms crossed behind their backs. The borders and handle of the case are decorated with incised geometric designs.
When European mirrors were introduced into Nigeria in the late 19th century, they were considered luxury goods reserved for the royals. Eventually, mirrors became more accessible but remained expensive trade items that were valued as prestigious wedding presents. The need for mirror frames or cases resulted in a new art form.
This mirror frame is attributed to Olowe of Ise, a court artist recognized as an innovative sculptor in his own time. He may have carved it for a royal bride, as it is larger than average. The sliding panel protecting the precious glass is unusual for this type of object and appears to be his invention.
Excerpt from
Roslyn A. Walker, Label text, Arts of Africa, 2015.
NOTES
Catalogue essays
Artist/designers
Cultures
Geography
Process/materials
Historical periods
Individuals
Subject terms
RELATED OBJECTS
PROVENANCE
n.d.-1985: Swiss collection
1985-2010: Joseph and Barbara Goldenberg, Los Angeles, California
2010: Dallas Museum of Art, gift of Joseph and Barbara Goldenberg, full ownership transferred 2010 [1]
Notes:
The main source for this provenance is "Acquisition Proposal" in Collections Records object file. Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.
[1] See copy of "Deed of Gift" in Collections Records object file.
AUDIO ASSETS
VIDEO ASSETS
IMAGE ASSETS
WEB RESOURCES
ARCHIVAL RESOURCES
FUN FACTS
TEACHING IDEAS
RULES
apply to objects where number equals 2010.34
Category
rules_operator
AND
General Description
This mirror case features a pair of standing male and female figures wearing waist beads, each holding the other’s shoulder with their arms crossed behind their backs. The borders and handle of the case are decorated with incised geometric designs.
When European mirrors were introduced into Nigeria in the late 19th century, they were considered luxury goods reserved for the royals. Eventually, mirrors became more accessible but remained expensive trade items that were valued as prestigious wedding presents. The need for mirror frames or cases resulted in a new art form.
This mirror frame is attributed to Olowe of Ise, a court artist recognized as an innovative sculptor in his own time. He may have carved it for a royal bride, as it is larger than average. The sliding panel protecting the precious glass is unusual for this type of object and appears to be his invention.
Excerpt from
Roslyn A. Walker, Label text, Arts of Africa, 2015.
Fun Facts
Archival Resources
Web Resources
Notes
Catalogue essays
Artist/designers
Cultures
Geography
Process/materials
Historical periods
Individuals
Subject terms
RELATED OBJECTS
PROVENANCE
n.d.-1985: Swiss collection
1985-2010: Joseph and Barbara Goldenberg, Los Angeles, California
2010: Dallas Museum of Art, gift of Joseph and Barbara Goldenberg, full ownership transferred 2010 [1]
Notes:
The main source for this provenance is "Acquisition Proposal" in Collections Records object file. Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.
[1] See copy of "Deed of Gift" in Collections Records object file.
AUDIO ASSETS
VIDEO ASSETS
rules
Apply To
Objects
number
Equals
2010.34
source file
object_notes_4_a-0306.xml.nores