These exceptional 19th-century painted doors from Bikaner, Rajasthan, are a remarkable example of traditional Indian decorative art. Of museum-quality craftsmanship, they display an extraordinary richness of colour and intricacy of decoration, with beautifully preserved original painted surfaces that have developed a wonderful patina over generations.
Bikaner, in northern Rajasthan, has long been celebrated for its elaborately painted havelis, palaces and furniture. These doors are a particularly fine example of that artistic tradition, combining the deep vermilion reds, rich greens, black backgrounds and shimmering golds characteristic of the region's decorative style.
Both sides of the doors are extensively hand-painted with elaborate interpretations of the Tree of Life, an exceptionally unusual feature. One face is dominated by vivid red panels, each containing an intricately painted flowering tree, framed by elegant scalloped arches and surrounded by dense scrolling foliage and gilded floral borders. Bands of deep green provide a striking contrast, while the original iron straps and decorative ring handles lend a wonderful sense of authenticity and architectural character.
The reverse is equally captivating, with the colour scheme almost inverted. Rich, dark green panels provide the background for further elaborate Tree of Life compositions, their delicate flowering branches rising from decorative urns and enclosed within cream-coloured scalloped arches against warm red borders. Painted flowers, scrolling vines and intricate detailing cover almost every available surface, demonstrating the remarkable skill and patience of the original craftsmen.
The Tree of Life is a recurring motif in Indian art, symbolising growth, fertility, prosperity and the interconnectedness of all living things. Its repeated appearance across both faces gives the doors a strong sense of symmetry and symbolic significance, while the contrasting colour schemes make each side a work of art in its own right.
The quality and extent of the surviving decoration make these doors a particularly rare and important find. Their naturally distressed surfaces, areas of worn gilding and aged ironwork only add to their historical character.
Although they could be displayed as a magnificent piece of wall art, with suitable hanging brackets added upon request, their double-sided decoration makes them especially suited to use as working doors or as a freestanding architectural feature where both beautifully painted faces can be appreciated.
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Origin: Bikaner, Rajasthan, India
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Date: 19th century
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Materials: Painted wood with original iron fittings
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Features: Exceptional double-sided hand-painted Tree of Life decoration, intricate scrolling foliage, floral urns, scalloped arches, gilded floral borders, original iron straps and decorative ring handles
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Condition: Antique condition with original distressed paintwork, areas of worn gilding, age-related wear and a rich natural patina
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Dimensions: W79 × D5 × H186.5 cm
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Weight: 28.8 kg
