Antique Brass Hand Door Knocker & Striker

This antique brass hand door knocker from Crete comes complete with an attached striker. This knocker features a hand clasping a brass ball at its finger tips which is used to rap the striker. 

The design features a cuff with layered, tiered decoration. This kind of embellishment was common in 19th-century Cretan and Ionian door knockers.

At the top of the striker plate there appears to be a decorative floral/rosette striker integrated into the design. This was typical of 19th-century Mediterranean knockers, where the hand would strike against an ornate backplate rather than the door directly.

This door knocker is particularly useful for homeowners who cherish a blend of tradition and elegance in their home decor. It is ideal for those who are enthusiasts of vintage-style furnishings and wish to add a touch of historical charm to their modern living spaces. 

Size: L15 x W5cm

Knocker is attached to the striker

Greece, and Athens in particular, played a pivotal role in the evolution of the modern door knocker. In Ancient Greece, affluent Athenians sought to prevent unannounced visits, a practice notably common among Spartans. To manage visitor arrivals, slaves were assigned to guard the entrance and announce guests. However, the tedium of this duty often led to slaves neglecting their responsibilities by sleeping or absconding. To counter this, a system was devised where slaves were chained to the doorframe with a large metal ring affixed to a robust backplate, restricting their movement. Visitors would alert the household by knocking on the metal ring or rattling the chain, marking the origin of the door knocker. This concept was subsequently adopted by the Romans and gradually spread. Over time, door knockers grew more intricate, often reflecting the identity or status of the homeowner through their design.

The design of the hand knocker is believed to be inspired by the Hand of Fatima, representing the daughter of the Prophet Mohammed, the founder of Islam. Known as the Hamsa, this symbol is reputed to provide protection and is embraced by multiple religious traditions. Although detailed historical records are scarce, it is reasonable to infer that the motif spread throughout the Mediterranean region from the Middle East and was subsequently adopted by the Ottomans, much like how culinary influences traveled and integrated across cultures.