A pair of carved sandalwood architectural brackets from India depicting a warrior on horseback

These are a pair of extremely rare sandalwood carvings, especially because of the large solid wood blocks involved. They are thought to be made in the late 19th or early 20th century. Each of the brackets (corbels) are about 21" tall, 14" wide and 3" deep. The weight of the two panels are 13 lb, 6.4 Oz and 14 lb, 2.3 Oz. This size of sandalwood single pieces are no longer available because of the overharvesting of the old trees in India. The price of just the wood per/lb is several hundred dollars in India. Each decorative panel is made of deeply carved sandalwood to depict a warrior (possibly Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire) mounted on a horse and several smaller sculptures of warriors, attendants with parasols, animals, mythological creatures, etc. The edges of this dense composition are demarcated by linear borders with stylized decoration. This type ornate architectural decorations are used as graceful accents to the doorways and balconies commonly found in the religious architecture of South India.

Some small wood pieces are missing from the carvings, but these are such rare collectible items that these minor issues should not matter.

To see collection items currently available for purchase please follow the instructions provided in the my collection page.

GALLERY (Click any image to see larger size)