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Tuesday, February 1

Knock knock

If you remember my trip to Venice last year-you might know that I have a slight fascination with door knockers.

I have thousands of photos of door knockers from my travels around the world. I joke that I am working on a really boring coffee table book.

Here were some of my favorites from my trip to Cartagena (this is my edited version- too many favorites to leave some out!)

I loved the huge array of ornate door knockers that can be seen on almost every door around the city.

I was really interested in the history of the door knockers and to why they were all different. Some of animals (fish, lions, lizards) and all different sizes (some as big as two feet!)

After a little research, I learned that the shape of the animals denoted the family's principal trade, for example: fish- merchant, lion- teacher. I also learned that the number of times that someone knocks on the door depends on how well the dweller and the visitor know each other. The fewer the knocks, the more distant the relationship. One knock for a stranger and four for a good friend.

I definitely had people looking at me while on this trip (its not like I exactly blend in). I assure you I got the most looks from people wondering why I was spending so much time taking multiple photos of every door knocker in town!



































30 comments:

Marcy said...

I'm first in line for your book about door knockers. I adore the fabulous examples that you've found. I featured your post on stylesson.com today.

Please show more!

Kathy said...

Gorgeous pictures Grant. I'm glad you did the research (learned something today). I have a big beautiful lion's head on my front door. Last year at an estate sale I bought this fabulous, huge, laughing Buddha...now I'm torn..oh well, I can always prop one of them up on a shelf... k

ArchitectDesign™ said...

all of those door knockers and only 2 peep holes! It must be a very safe city ;-)

Mrs. Blandings said...

I love lions and would have thought those would be my favorites, but the lizards are so engaging.

PMD Design Inspirations said...

These are fantastic! The detail is so beautiful. I also completely relate - to the people staring while I am photographing interesting architectural details that is.

The Buzz Blog said...

A much more creative alternative from the ever-present pineapple knocker you see on American homes!

Scott Louis Brown said...

I would buy that book! Thank you for sharing Grant

Madina Aryeh said...

My favorite are the dragon and the fish. Hands are very cool too.

mary said...

I love the salamanders and dolphins, but who doesn't love a lion? The casting is exquisite on the really old ones.

Claudia Juestel said...

Awesome post Grant! I would not mind seeing ALL of them.

Love the lizard!

Cheers,

Claudia

carrieswing said...

Spectacular! Love the fish and the Oh-so Victorian-looking hands!

D. Scott Tjaden said...

This completely 'knocked' me out. Great post!

Anonymous said...

We were there in September, what a magical city! A place of secrets and daydreams and colors... Of course my favorite souvenir was an old lizard door knocker which now hangs on the front door! Can't wait to return... Great photos!

Anonymous said...

Fabulous knockers, fabulous post. These are as interesting as anything you would see in Venice!

Phillip King Parton

Anonymous said...

That is a smashing selection...Thanks!

Marcus Thomson

debra @ 5th and state said...

i have often wondered.....where are the interesting door knockers? doesn't anyone manufacture these any longer?

love the lizard but then i wondered......what occupation does that signify?
debra

Grant K. Gibson said...

@ Debra- I was kind of wondering what the occupation of the lizard was too!

Lisa Porter said...

Oh you saved my favorite for last! They are all fabulous but that last one says something special about the whole residence.
Thank you Grant for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Love them all & would also buy the book! I also wonder what profession the lizard represents.

Karen T.

Lynne Rutter said...

what knockers!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9K9wiH2Lko
(i can't help it!)

Grant K. Gibson said...

@ The Ornamentalist- I love it!

EFT Therapy said...

Great and lovely doorknobs!

Brillante Interiors said...

I have a lion's head door knocker that followed me in all my houses. It is like a thread of life. Great collection of images.

Unknown said...

Interesting...love the lizards especially. Great photos.

Alcira Molina-Ali said...

Whoa...quite a fleshed out selection you've got here.
Gorgeous all.
I'm especially smitten with the crawling critters.
Cheers, Alcira

nerochronicles.com

A.J.Barnes said...

Boring - Not. Great post. Makes me wonder why I don't have a door knocker. I need to rectify that situation!

www.ajbarnesonline.blogspot.com

Bob said...

Knockers ... WOW! Love 'em. When we were in Paris a year ago I was fascinated by the door handles/knobs on all the fantastic, large doors and gates. I took a few photos. Now I wish I had taken more. Great exhibit. bob

Garage Doors said...

Simply awesome.My favorite are the dragon and the fish.

Anonymous said...

To quote Gene Wilder - "What Knockers!"
Love your blog

Sent from my iPhone

Christine said...

Very intriguing and interesting post. I learned something today about knockers. Now you've inspired me to look at knockers when I travel and see them in a different way.
Love how they make a visual statement and what it says about friendship depending on how many times you knock on the door.

 

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