A pair of geometric wood door panels, Spain, 17th century or earlier

both of rectangular form, set with geometric wood sections each carved with a foliate motif, the whole comprising an interlocking stellar pattern, in later frames, with iron bosses and hinges

By repute, ex-collection William Randolph Hearst

Both in very good condition, very few minor knicks to surface consistent with age, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The design on the present door panels, composed of interlocking geometric stellar forms containing split-palmette and arabesque motifs, was interpreted and transformed over multiple artistic media in the Islamic world. This design centres on the lazo of eight, a principle of construction which offered infinite interlocking possibilities. Particularly favoured in Islamic Spain, variations of this pattern can be seen on multiple media connected with the Almoravid, Almohad and Nasrid dynasties. Particularly notable is the naturalistic, soft treatment of the vegetal motifs on the present panels.

In terms of method of construction and style of carving, parallels can also be drawn in the wooden cupola ceiling that once vaulted the Torre de las Damas in the Palacio del partal, Granada, now in the Müseum für Islamische Kunst in Berlin (see Dodds 1992, no.116, pp.368-9). Another comparable set of doors are still in situ in the Alhambra Palace, between the Casa Real Vieja and Patio de los Leones (see Ars Hispaniae, IV, Madrid, 1949, fig. 203, p.194).

The present lot belongs to another pair of door panels sold at Christie's, 10 October 2000, lot 310 and now in the al-Sabah Collection in Kuwait (inv. no. LNS 193 W a, and illustrated in Curatola 2010, no. 92, p.116). Whereas that set was attributed to the second half of the fourteenth century, this pair has been carbon dated to the seventeenth century or possibly earlier.