Early to Mid 20th Century Large Provençal Boxwood Beaded Door Curtain - 80¾" x 49¼"

A striking hand made Provençal beaded door curtain in boxwood, early to mid 20th century. It hangs in long vertical strands of hand-turned, torpedo-shaped beads in warm chestnut tones, each strung on its own metal wire from a wooden headrail. Subtle Bakelite accents at the top and bottom add a soft contrast. Of rather large dimensions, it could suit a double doorway. It features two metal loops on the top bar for hanging, and should be securely fixed to a ceiling or lintel as it is rather heavy. Condition is gently timeworn, with minor wear to the beads and light oxidation to the wires and Bakelite, forming an even patina.

Beaded door curtains were a familiar sight in Mediterranean homes, allowing air to circulate while softening light and discouraging insects. Boxwood, prized in Provence for its density and fine grain, turns crisply and takes a rich polish, making it ideal for hardwearing beads. Each strand is hand assembled on metal pins, a practical, workshop-made construction that has endured with quiet elegance.

This curtain brings movement, texture, and a soft, rhythmic sound that calls to mind warm summer days. Hang it in a kitchen-to-garden threshold, a pantry entrance, or a breezeway for a relaxed Mediterranean feel, or mount it on a wall as a sculptural panel.