Dogon Door with Carved Details, Mali Early 20th Century


















Dogon Door with Carved Details, Mali Early 20th Century
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Nature has been a source of inspiration for artists, craftsmen, and to people of all trades since the dawn of time. This traditional Dogon door from Mali is ideal to bring a piece of history into any space to marvel at the art of nature.
Dogon doors are carved wooden panels that have been used in Mali, West Africa by the Dogon people. The purpose of these doors was two-fold; to provide physical security for stored goods and to offer spiritual protection by warding off evil spirits. Many of these doors featured beautiful relief carvings, like the carvings present on this piece. This type of door was often crafted by a high-ranking blacksmith, since the Dogon door was considered more than just functional objects, but rather sacred. The motifs found on this piece symbolise fertility and life, as well as spirituality, wisdom and protection. Moreover, in the absence of modern polished surfaces, this door has textural, rough edges and surfaces, the wood takes pride in its qualities. The construction strips back the unnecessary, showcasing only its essential elements. The wood is left in its natural form as much as possible, while also prioritising functionality and longevity. In contemporary spaces, this door or room divider is the perfect furniture type to introduce organicity to an interior. This piece is sure to stand out for all the right reasons and spark interesting conversations.
As nature does not mass produce identically, this piece is truly one of a kind, with intense visual qualities, therefore it cannot be reproduced. This Dogon door can be a unique decoration for modern interiors, and here, the quality of timelessness isn’t even a question.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
29.92 in W x 9.84 in D x 61.02 in H
76 cm W x 25 cm D x 155 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This beautiful tray, produced in Spain in the second half of the 20th century, is a refined example of decorative craftsmanship paired with functional design. In 1798, the Valentí family started its first silversmith workshop in Barcelona. In 1925 Fernando Valentí Clúa, founder of the current Valentí, was born. Since then, they have created a company with a solid handcraft foundation, influenced by the decorative arts and the renaissance of craftsmanship applied to modernity.
The tray has a broad, elongated oval shape with a shallow interior and gently raised sides. Its outline has a natural flow, showing its handcrafted nature. The inside has a rich, warm golden brass surface, dramatically enhanced by areas of turquoise. Across the bottom of the tray, the brass almost melts across the blue surface. The pattern it creates is effortlessly organic. The exterior displays a continuous turquoise finish, making the distinction between the inside and outside especially striking. The smooth, shallow form allows the different surfaces to remain clearly visible, while also working functionally as a tray. The combination of materials gives the piece a memorable example of Spanish mid-century decorative metalwork.
Decorative objects of this kind are particularly appealing for their ability to introduce colour, texture and material contrast into an interior. This Valentí tray is an excellent centrepiece for a coffee table, dining table or sideboard, where its richly patterned interior can be appreciated from above. It can also serve as a decorative catchall or simply be displayed as an object in its own right.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature of material, the item has some marks, scratches, and discolouration.