The Shah-Zadi Carved Wood Medallion

Shah-Zadi translates from Persian as "Princess." This piece is inspired by the Zenana—the private, royal quarters of Mughal palaces. It reflects the sophisticated privacy of carved wooden screens commissioned by noblewomen to filter sunlight into delicate, patterned shadows.Capturing the rustic refinement of an antique estate find, the Shah-Zadi Medallion is hand-sculpted from solid mango wood. Its concentric floral motifs and airy, pierced design bring an architectural element to your walls, blending the warmth of traditional Indian craft with a clean, contemporary palette.

FEATURES

• Solid Mango Wood: Durable, sustainable, and rich in natural texture.
• Pierced Relief: Hand-cut voids allow the wall color to peek through.
• Artisan Finished: Hand-painted and distressed for a unique, lived-in feel.

The Shah-Zadi Medallion is an homage to the "Havelis" of Old Delhi—grand mansions where carved wood screens provided both privacy and a canvas for artistic expression. This piece bridges the gap between raw natural materials and sophisticated architectural design. Every medallion is born from a single slab of mango wood, chosen for its strength and ability to hold fine detail.

The carving process is entirely manual; artisans use traditional steel tools to chip away the wood, following a pattern that has been used in Indian architecture for centuries. This technique, known as Jali work, was historically used to filter sunlight. In a modern home, this translates to a piece of art that feels light and breathable despite its solid wood construction. The finish involves multiple layers of pigment that are partially removed to reveal the wood's character beneath, celebrating the "perfect imperfections" of handmade goods.

STYLE DETAILS

Architectural Influence: Indian Haveli screens.

Pattern Style: Scrolling vines and a central 12-petal blossom.

CRAFTSMANSHIP DETAILS

Technique: Manual Pierce-Carving and Hand-Distressing.

Finishing: Sand-blasted and hand-washed in a pale patina.

WOOD QUALITY & FINISH CHARACTERISTICS

The mango wood is kiln-dried for longevity. The finish features "skipping" to mimic the natural wear of an antique fragment.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT / INVESTMENT VALUE

It acts as "architectural jewelry" for your home, providing texture and history that flat canvas art cannot replicate.

SUGGESTIONS FOR INCORPORATION

Center it on a dark-painted wall to make the intricate carvings "pop."

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS

Color: Distressed Heirloom Blue

Origin: North India

Age/Period Influence: 19th Century Indo-Colonial

PERFECT FOR

Room Placements: Living Room, Entryway.

Functional Uses: Over-Mantel Focal Point.

INTERIOR TYPES

Modern Farmhouse, Coastal, Global Eclectic, Transitional, Shabby Chic.