Indian Double Door with Opposing Lions, Framed

Two lions stare each other down across the seam of a door.

This framed double door with opposing lions is from India, mid 19th century, in carved teak. Lions have served as guardians at Indian thresholds for centuries, on temples and palaces alike. Rows of round studs march over the reddish panels, and the upper sections open into pierced lattice around flowering vases. Ring handles hang at center, above the lions and diamond-cut lower panels. The frame and lintel are carved in dense repeat. It stands 104 inches high and 66 wide.

Neither lion has blinked.