Large Early to Mid-Century Indian Toran

Description

A lovely example, and unusually large at 215cm x 155cm (84.6 x 61 inches). Created by the farming communities of … more A lovely example, and unusually large at 215cm x 155cm (84.6 x 61 inches). Created by the farming communities of Saurashtra, Gujurat circa 1940's.


The toran features Ganesh at the centre, with Krishna and Lakshmi at either side, surrounded by wonderful, naively drawn birds, animals and flowers. The colour palette is bright, cheerful and carefully chosen; the riot of greens, turquoise, reds and pinks are grounded by the dominant bright blue of the central peacock and elephant motifs. The original line drawing (possibly applied in Henna) is visible in several areas across the toran where the artist has deviated from their original design, as well as some faint lettering in the upper left corner.


Created as a door hanging, the toran is a very adaptable textile. It looks great above a bed or sofa, in a niche or alcove as well as a door surround or window pelmet. There a few small hanging loops along the top edge, but the corner loops are now gone. You could add new ones easily to the red cotton trim, or suspend from clips as in our images etc.


Condition overall is excellent, with only minimal losses to the embroidery and some localised age spots, see images for details. less