Antique Indian carved Padouk four fold Screen with Brass inlay

This is an exceptionally fine quality example of a superbly crafted and detailed genuine antique Anglo Indian four panel folding SCREEN which may also be used as a room divider or mounted as a flat wall panel.

The screen comprises of four individual panels hinged to form a screen and each superbly crafted from solid Padouk which is a very dense hard and heavy timber. Each rectangular panel has a floral motif pierced crest carving at the top and at the top of each upright is a carved finial.

The rectangular upper horizontal framed panels are geometrically carved in a manner known as ‘Pinjara’ work or ‘bird cage ’ as are the lower horizontal framed rectangular panels. The larger rectangular vertical panels feature profusely and intricately inlays of Brass comprising of Botanical floral and foliate motifs.

Between the lower legs of each panel are Moorish Arches which form an arcaded effect along the four panels.

All decorative panels are recessed within a jointed frame which has full geometric edge carving and a brass inlay at each intersection.

All the carved embellishments on the front of the screen are repeated on the rear side of the screen so the screen is double sided.

The screen is influenced by two northern Indian regions one being Hoshiarpur which is renowned for superb intricate inlay work and Simla which is famous for its Pinjara carving.

An almost identical screen is in the Victoria and Albert Museum collection in London and can be found in the book Furniture from British India and Ceylon by Amin Jaffes - pages 308 and 309.

The screen is complete and is in excellent original condition for its age.

Width: 194 cm Height: 74 cm