A Pair of Indian Palace Doors. Unknown maker, Indian. Early 20th century. Oil on wood. Unmarked . 76-1/4 inches high x 45... (Total: 2 Pieces)

Description

A Pair of Indian Palace Doors

Unknown maker, Indian
Early 20th century
Oil on wood
Unmarked
76-1/4 inches high x 45-1/4 inches wide

These painted double doors once graced the entry to a fine home in India, a mark of wealth and status for the owners inside. The dramatic scenes of the hunt, ritualistic dancing and the preparation of game for the feast are in great detail, colorful and symmetrical in the four panels of each door. Taken from various Indian paintings that have existed for centuries, the bold use of horsemen, the vivid portrayal of man against tiger, sometimes bloody and vicious, the palace doors of this home are singularly important in their appearance and details.

At 76 inches in height and 45 inches in width, the doors are made of 1¼" wood frames with scalloped upper panels and rectangular lower panels, which appear approximately 2/3 down the door. The oil has crackled on approximately 2% of the painted surface leaving almost the entire colorful surface intact and surprisingly vibrant considering their usage. Doors of this sort have been used for hundreds of years in India as a symbol of status. They were commonly affixed to an outer door through the use of fasteners, which are in evidence on this work as well. Admired for their decorative qualities around the world, these palatial doors are becoming exceedingly rare.

Provenance:
Loyd-Paxton, Dallas (1973)

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