Mid Century Set of Three Solid Malachite Vide-Poches, Congo C.1960

A beautifully varied set of three hand-carved and polished solid malachite dishes, each hollowed from a single nodule of natural stone to create an organic, freeform vide-poche.
All three are polished to a high mirror finish on their inner bowls and upper surfaces, with partially natural or rough-cut bases and edges that preserve the raw vitality of the mineral — a hallmark of the best mid-century African malachite carving. The stone is of Congolese origin, almost certainly from the Katanga (Shaba) province of the DRC, historically the world's preeminent source of gem-quality decorative malachite.

DETAILS

Period: Mid 20th century, circa 1960
Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo (Katanga province)
Material: Solid natural malachite, hand-carved and polished
Dimensions:
Dish 1: L 9.5 cm × W 8 cm × H 3 cm
Dish 2: L 9.5 cm × W 6 cm × H 3 cm
Dish 3: L 9 cm × W 8 cm × H 3 cm
Condition: Good vintage condition throughout. High-gloss polish intact on all interior wells and upper surfaces. Natural rough or broken edges to bases on two pieces — consistent with period African malachite carving practice and not losses. No cracks, chips, or repairs detected.
Sold as: Set of three