Antique 17th-Century South Indian Door with Frame & Manichitrathazhu Lock | Handcrafted Sheesham Wood | Rare Architectural Salvage from India

Own a profound piece of India’s architectural legacy with this authentic 17th-century South Indian door, exquisitely handcrafted from solid Sheesham wood (Indian Rosewood). Featuring the rare and iconic Manichitrathazhu lock, this piece is more than a door—it’s a portal to the past, merging spiritual symbolism, artisanal engineering, and ancestral craftsmanship.

A Legacy of Sacred Thresholds

This door once guarded the entrance to a traditional Nalukettu (ancestral home) or temple complex, a silent witness to centuries of ritual, devotion, and domestic life. It showcases a rare, fully intact Manichitrathazhu locking system, a handcrafted spring-bolt lock adorned with trishul-inspired motifs symbolising divine guardianship and status.

The locking mechanism, a marvel of pre-modern engineering, was crafted not only to protect but to sanctify the threshold—making this a ceremonial as much as a functional object. The name Manichitrathazhu, from Malayalam, translates as "ornate lock of the jewel plate", reflecting the prestige of households that commissioned such craftsmanship.

Historical & Craft Details

• Material: Solid Sheesham wood with original forged iron fittings

• Carving Style: Dravidian architectural motifs—floral lattice, fretwork borders, lotus bud accents, and symbolic central mullion

• Patina: Naturally aged to rich, dark brown hues with subtle grey undertones—a finish only centuries can produce

• Frame Composition: Deeply carved jambs, an embellished base, and a jali (perforated grille) for airflow and light balance

The vertical mullion and the placement of iron knobs and hinges are all original, untouched by restoration, retaining full authenticity.

Specifications:

• Origin: South India (likely Kerala or Tamil Nadu)

• Date: Circa 1600s (17th Century)

• Material: Sheesham wood (Indian Rosewood) with original iron Manichitrathazhu lock

• Weight: Approx. 112 kg

• Condition: Structurally sound, with original fittings and unaltered surfaces; rich patina; museum-grade authenticity

Styling & Display Suggestions:

• Architectural Feature: Install as a ceremonial entrance, statement partition, or spiritual threshold

• Interior Art Panel: Mount on a stone or wood wall to create a meditative focal point

• Cultural Centrepiece: Ideal for galleries, heritage hotels, temples, or private sanctuaries

• Functional Reuse: Can be repurposed as a working door in heritage renovations

Why Collectors & Designers Value This Piece:

• Extremely rare 17th-century South Indian artefact

• One of the few surviving examples with a complete Manichitrathazhu lock

• Museum-worthy craftsmanship with deep symbolic and architectural meaning

• Perfect for luxury interior storytelling, historical restoration, or spiritual architecture

• Retains 100% original iron hardware and patina

Shipping & Delivery:

This heavy, valuable artefact will be personally delivered by a specialised handling team. Collection in person is also possible by arrangement. Please get in touch for logistics or installation advice.