{"product_id":"spirit-of-benin","title":"Spirit of Benin","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003eSpirit of Benin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e transforms a ceramic vessel into a contemporary sculptural tribute to the artistic traditions of the historic Kingdom of Benin, particularly the highly accomplished court sculptures commonly known as the Benin Bronzes.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eRather than reproducing an historical object, Quarles interprets characteristics of Benin royal imagery through an accessible and contemporary material—polymer clay.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003eSpirit of Benin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e occupies a space between \u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003esculpture, decorative art, and cultural homage\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe central figure of Queen Ida represents strength, dignity, and ancestral presence.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eHer elaborate headdress, jewelry, patterned collar, and gold surface reference the visual richness of Benin court art while remaining distinctly contemporary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImportantly, the work is conceived as a three-dimensional object in the round. The hand-modeled hibiscus flowers, leaves, and vines continue around the sides and interact with the projecting portrait, allowing the composition to unfold as the viewer moves around the vessel.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe winding vine introduce themes of nature, growth, vitality, and renewal.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe contrast between the dark vessel, luminous gold figure, and vivid botanical forms is intentional. Together, these elements create a visual dialogue between history and the present, permanence and transformation, and ceremonial art and contemporary craft.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maruva DQ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49022109057214,"sku":"vases 004","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0617\/2144\/4542\/files\/DianneQuarles-SpiritofBenineA.jpg?v=1789428842","url":"https:\/\/maruvadq.com\/products\/spirit-of-benin","provider":"Maruva DQ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}