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Deccan
Wood
An enchanting play of light and shadow is created from this jali or lattice window. Ideal during the hot humid Indian summer, the jalis dispel the harsh rays of the sun and allow a cool breeze to circulate indoors. Moreover, the purdah- conscious women used the jalis of their balconies and terraces to enjoy an outside view, without being seen themselves by the public.
Wooden construction was once widespread throughout most of Southern India, but the intense heat and the severe monsoonal rains have meant that a large proportion of the wooden buildings in private and public use have now disappeared. The typical southern Indian wooden building, was supported on a framework of columns, with an elaborate system of interlocking brackets and beams to support the floors and roofs. Carved doors, windows, and screens and panels filter light and ventilate the interiors, creating an environment that is both comfortable and richly detailed. The scale and shape of houses was dictated by the maximum height and span of timber beams, resulting in a modular system of construction. The woodwork was deeply cut and naturalistic, the intention of the artisans was to capture the forms and energies of the natural world.
Size (cms): 63(H) x 54(W) x 11(D)
Size (inches): 25(H) x 21.5(W) x 4.5(D)
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Karnataka (South India)
brass alloy
A striking Hanuman face with a protruding mouth and nose, curving moustache, bulging eyes and forehead tilaka. He wears a necklace and a rimmed and pointed crown.
Mukhavata or facial masks are two-dimensional metal castings of the crowned or turbaned heads of various deities, mostly manifestations of Shiva and Parvati. Included in this group are Khandoba, Mallanna, Gauri and Hanuman and their regional variants who are worshipped under different names.
Hindu devotees believe that when an icon is consecrated and its eyes anointed by the priest, the figure becomes a living god. In household shrines in Maharastra and Karnataka, the deity was considered a privileged house guest and treated accordingly. Images of the god were bathed, clothed, bejeweled and nourished in preparation for puja and darshan. Often elaborate turbans were placed on the head of the mukha-vata and bound by the finest cloths usually in the auspicious deep red colour. In some cases the masks were mounted on a wooden framework and covered with cloths. Sometimes separate metal cast arms and legs were attached to the figure, thus providing a more realistic depiction of the deity.
Size (cms): 35.5(H) x 26(W) x 11.5(D)
Size (inches): 14(H) x 10(W) x 4.5(D)
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Tibet
Wood, with original polychroming
The chest is decorated in vibrant polychrome pigments with a central roundel enclosing a ferocious writhing dragon grasping a flaming pearl amongst cloud scrolls. The roundel is centred on top of a geometric tiger pattern which is set within cusped corner spandrels.
Tibetan chests and trunks were used as storage in homes and monasteries. Boxes are normally made from cedar, pine, or poplar. If they are painted it is usually just the front and two sides. They can either be painted directly on the wood or on some pieces onto a fabric applied to the wood. The colours and designs used are very decorative. It’s painted with paints mixed from minerals, as was the way during this period, and it will therefore always retain its vibrancy. The sides are decorated with stylised foliate panels.
Size (cms): 47(H) x 88(W) x 48.5(D)
Size (inches): 18.5(H) x 34.5(W) x 19(D)
