This teakwood screen dating back to the
beginning of the 18th century is 230 cm in height and 305 cm in width
divided in 3 folding parts. In all the three parts, single teakwood
planks are carved on both the sides with flowering-creeper in such a way
that the front and rear side designs are kept back-to-back and from any
one side only overall carving is visible. Below, in the central portion,
on the four supporting legs, Burmese lions are superbly carved. The two
side-screens are fitted with wheels, to facilitate their movement for
opening and closing.
The real test of perseverance to which the carver might have
subjected himself to, can be appreciated by a visitor only when one
minutely observes the screen. And he is most likely to exclaim in praise
of the rare workmanship.
In the traditional homes of Nawabs and Muslim families, such
functional and attractive wooden screens were specially used to maintain
privacy of the female folk.
Nothing is so poor and melancholy as art that is interested in
itself and not in its subject.
- George Santayana
The mission of art is to represent nature: not to imitate her.
- William Morris Hunt
What is lovely never dies But passes into other loveliness.
- Thomas Baily Aldrich
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