Monumental Kaylien Lustr-Metl Bronze Sunburst Double Doors

Details

Description

Monumental pair of sculptural architectural double doors by Kaylien of Santee, California, circa 1970. The doors feature a dramatic radiating … Read more Monumental pair of sculptural architectural double doors by Kaylien of Santee, California, circa 1970. The doors feature a dramatic radiating sunburst design composed of deeply textured concentric bands extending continuously across both panels.

Constructed in Kaylien’s distinctive Lustr-Metl technique, the doors feature richly textured bronze-toned surfaces over a structural door core. The dimensional relief creates a striking play of light and shadow and gives the doors an unmistakably Brutalist, California modern character.

The doors are double-sided, with the complete sculptural sunburst design appearing on both sides. The two sides have developed distinctly different appearances over time. The interior-facing side retains a somewhat richer, more lustrous bronze appearance, while the exterior-facing side has a more matte, weathered bronze finish with areas of natural greenish verdigris patina, particularly toward the lower portions of the doors. This variation gives each side its own character while retaining the same dramatic sculptural design.

The design continues seamlessly across the two doors, creating a single monumental composition when closed. Particularly noteworthy is the surviving original Kaylien manufacturer’s label, which also identifies the doors as Warnock Hersey International listed 20-minute fire doors.

Kaylien was a California manufacturer specializing in highly decorative architectural doors and produced its Lustr-Metl collection in bronze and other metallic finishes. The company operated within the same period and architectural market as Forms+Surfaces, whose sculptural doors have a closely related aesthetic.

An exceptional example of large-scale architectural design, equally compelling as functioning double doors or displayed as a monumental piece of wall-mounted sculpture.

Dimensions: 78 7/8 in. H × 72 1/4 in. W overall.

Condition:
Good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear consistent with their original architectural use. The doors retain their aged bronze-toned surfaces with scratches, scuffs, oxidation, discoloration and areas of patination throughout. The exterior-facing side exhibits a more matte, weathered surface with areas of greenish verdigris patina, while the opposite side retains a somewhat richer bronze appearance. The variation and patina have been left intact and contribute to the doors’ original architectural character. Original hardware and Kaylien/WHI identification label remain present. Please refer closely to photographs for condition. See less