Guard Bracket in Teakwood, Gujarat

Brackets are architectural elements projected from a wall, usually to carry weight or to strengthen an angle. Intricately carved and painted, brackets were often found in Indian palaces and temples.

This old bracket, depicting a man with a shield and sword, signals that he is likely to be a sentinel or a guard. From Gujarat, this intricately and exquisitely carved bracket would have been used as a decorative architectural element. The piece is in good condition, with some wear on the face. The bracket is mounted on a wooden base.