Exceptional Igbo Izzi Terracotta Ritual Bowl, Nigeriadiameter 7in (17.8cm)height 5 1/2in (14cm)ProvenanceGalerie L'Accrosonge, ParisPrivate Collection, California, acquired in 2000Cf. Musée Barbier-Mueller, Geneva, inventory no. 1014-135 for a similar bowl from the same group being offered for sale by Galerie L'Accrosonge in 2000. The bowl was last published in Michel Butor's 6000 ans de Réceptacles. La vaisselle des siècles, Musée Barbier-Mueller, Geneva, p. 182-183 and 228, fig. 90.This exceptional example, with its extremely thin walls, is a technical masterpiece; fired in spherical, hollowed form, the face is finely incised on the upper surface with the mouth forming the large opening of the bowl.