A pair of gilded polychrome carved wood doors, Malay Peninsula,...

each door of rectangular form, with inset rectangular panels deeply carved, gilded and painted in blue and red with floral with an inscription cartouche framed by repeated flower heads and floral vine
152 by 62.5cm. each

Condition Report:
The carving remains crisp and in good condition. Some minor surface scratches and scuffs, consistent with age, and scattered small knocks and chips, mainly to the edges. Minor rubbing to the gilding and polychrome pigments. Tarnishing to the metal fittings. As viewed.

Catalogue Note:
inscriptions

Qur'an, surah al-Nasr (CX)

Qur'an, surah al-Nas (CXIV)

These finely carved doors relate to woodwork of the Malay Peninsula including a selection of prayer screens and Qur'an boxes in the Islamic Arts Museum, Malaysia (see Malaysia 2005, pp. 177-181). The decorative repertoire of the these woodworks were derived from the natural surroundings of Southeast Asia with gracefully twisting tropical flowers and plants (ibid., p. 175). The deep carving of the present doors emphasises the exuberant decoration that frames the inscription.