Pair of carved wood Vyali brackets, Tamil Nadu, India

Pair of carved wood processional chariot or doorway brackets featuring Yalis (Vyalis), Tamil Nadu, India, 19th century.

• On stand H 49 cm x D 15 cm x W 28 cm
• Brackets only H 42 cm x D 15 cm x W 22 cm.

Architectural Vyali brackets, processional art from Tamil Nadu

Pair of carved wood brackets representing vyalis — hybrid protective creatures of sacred Dravidian architecture — from Tamil Nadu, South India. These carved elements were originally integrated into the structure of large processional chariots or temple architecture, where they contributed to the monumental staging of Hindu narratives and protective figures.

Processional chariot from Tamil Nadu, India.

Vyalis, also spelled yalis, frequently appear in the ornamentation of Tamil processional chariots and Dravidian temples. Fantastic creatures with a serpent’s tail, part-lion, part-elephant, they often occupy the corners and brackets of structures to emphasize their visual and symbolic power. This iconography is also found in certain architectural productions of the Chettinad region, where yali figures hold a central place in the carved decor, as seen on the pair of brackets we are also offering, from the former Claude de Marteau collection.

A processional chariot adorned with rearing horses and Yalis.

This pair is distinguished by the density of its decoration, the deeply carved relief of the wood, and the energy of the foliate curves surrounding the creatures. The expressive heads, stylized manes, and carved scrolls directly evoke the grand decorative ensembles of South Indian temples and processional chariots. The surface presents an old patina consistent with architectural and ceremonial use.

Through their presence imbued with devotion as much as their powerful decorative character, these processional sculptures from India can simply be placed on a piece of furniture or a bookshelf, in a contemporary interior, an eclectic decoration project, or an ancient art collection. They dialogue particularly well with designer or classic furniture, mineral materials, or interiors inspired by the sacred architecture of South India.

A pair of Indian architectural sculptures combining Hindu iconography, sculptural presence, and quality execution.

Suggested bibliography: Living Wood – Sculptures of Southern India, Marg Publications.

Provenance: Former Claude de Marteau collection, a certificate will be provided to the buyer.