When we returned from our trip to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and I started to look through all my pictures of the beautiful doors we encountered, I decided to separate them into bite-sized Thursday Door post chunks. This week’s group of doors stood out because of their unique hardware. Some of the hardware has a practical purpose (door knockers, hinges, etc.) and others are purely decorative. Some – like the traditional hand knockers – were found all over the city (including for sale in shops) whereas some looked custom designed and fabricated.
Don’t forget to head on over to Norm’s blog to view his collection of doors, then click on the blue frog at the end of his post to see what others have shared.
Retirementally Challenged 
I have loved this series and this is no exception. Hardware seems to jump out at me because I really do admire the craftsmanship. These examples are amazing, and I’m not sure what is my favorite – hands, lizards, dogs, bicycles – you got them all. A+ 🙂
Thank you, Judy… I aim to please 🙂 I think I am most partial to the lizards.
What interesting doors for sure! I am not sure if the hands creep me out or make me laugh.
Those hands were everywhere… that’s funny, I never thought of them as creepy.
Kind of reminded me of “Thing” from the Addams Family.
Haha!
I love these doors, but I’m not sure I’d want to come home to the hands. The wood and metal is so interesting. I really appreciate old wooden doors. Thanks for bringing these for us.
I did a little research and learned that they are called “Hand of Fatima” knockers and are thought to protect against evil. They are found extensively in Spain, which is probably why they have made their way to Mexico.
I adore the teal hardware! The unique and artistic qualities to each are so inviting. I even like those that are more “dark and spooky!” All charming!
I really loved the door with the teal hardware. It was right next to the place we stayed but, unfortunately, I never got to see inside.
Just beautiful!
Thank you!
they are all stunners and I have to admit that Mexico is one of my favorite places for doors (I have seen other ones and ooo la la) and then I like the Italy ones – and France – and well -okay – many areas – but really love the Mexico ones here and the teal hardware is a stand out for me.
The hands make me curious
I guess anywhere that doesn’t mass-produce their doors will have interesting ones, but I agree that Mexico’s doors are often amazing works of art. Since you are curious, I did a little research on the hand knockers… see my response to Dan for more information about them.
ok – I will check out the reply – and thx for the comment reply – you are right mass produced waters things down –
It is so hard to choose which door I like best. If pressed, I would go with Door Number Three! Once again your photography (and your husband’s) is stunning!
I love the lizard theme and the hand-made quality of each of the elements.
Some gorgeous doors and fun imaginative door knockers too – great post.
I really liked how some homeowners fashioned door knockers to represent something that was important to them. Very creative.
The hardware is amazing. I’m always impressed with the vibrant colors people use.
The colors of that last door was amazing. Unfortunately, we were so intent on getting a picture of the gear knocker, I forgot to get a picture of the entire door.
Excellent assembly of old doors, Janis! I like the ones with the door knockers best.
I wish I had thought to take pictures of all the various knockers we saw. Lots of images of lions and other animal heads were used. Oh well, another reason to return!
Great doors, Janis! The hand is a little creepy, but great for Halloween.
That is so funny that many of you find the hands creepy… it never occurred to me. Maybe since I saw so many of them I just got used to them. Good idea for Halloween, though 🙂
The weathered doors are incredible and the hardware even more so – for some reason the hands reminded me of Cousin Itt, but still didn’t take away from the originality.
Oh, I wonder if you mean Thing (that was the hand). I hadn’t thought of that, but I certainly see the resemblance 🙂
I would like to knock on these doors, hide around the corner, and see who comes out…sort of like doorbell ditch.
Why didn’t I think of that! Let me know if you try that in Spain.
Superb! Still going for Weathered Doors as my favourite set, but these are great too.
I agree, Anabel. The weathered doors were my favorite too.
Great work, both by the door makers and yourselves.
Thank you! Much of the craftsmanship we saw in Mexico was exquisite… and very creative.
They’re extraordinary, Janis.
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed them!
I commented here, shut off my computer and went to bed. As I drifted off to sleep, something niggled at my brain – no, it was not Cousin Itt … wrong character from “The Addams Family” TV show … it was “Thing” … so you don’t think I’ve lost my mind. Google Images for “Thing” and you’ll see the hand and forearm which was a character all its own – please feel free to edit my comment Janis. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thing_(The_Addams_Family)
Haha! I saw your correction after I left my reply. Yes, Thing is definitely what you were thinking of. Being an Addams Family fan myself, I know exactly what you meant.
Yes, it struck me like a ton of bricks and I thought “if Janis sees that, she’ll think I lost my mind!!” Since we’re around the same age, I figured you’d know who “Thing” was. I loved that show and The Munsters too.
I love the hands! So clever and just a little eerie.
I’ll put you in the slightly creeped out camp. Since the hands are actually meant to protect against evil, I’m pretty sure the homeowners don’t mean to scare anyone off (except the evil spirits).
Hi Janis! I just LOVE the creativity of the Mexican people. Your doors are spectacular and with the right house, I would want one of each that you photographed. NOW, you need to plan a trip here to Lake Chapala because I’m seeing cool ones here too. Look forward to talking “Mexico” with you when we get together next time! ~Kathy
Hubby and I are ready to fly down there based on your pictures! Looks like an easy flight into Guadalajara? I hope you are able to take a few door shots… I’d love to see them (and the rest of your pictures).
Of course, all the trimmings! Because a door is just a door if it doesn’t have a knocker!
😉
I’m enjoying these posts immensely, even if I don’t always comment, Janis.
I was wanting for a knocker joke… 🙂 I’m glad you are enjoying the series. I have a few groups to go!
Wonderful series, and hardware/eye-candy for the doors! I really like that turquoise door knocker and the complimentary concho accents . The double door with the metal frame and stone work around the entrance is a stunner.
Thank you! I have really been enjoying sharing many of my door pictures from our trip. I had to look up concho… I’m going to remember that one.
Beautiful pics, Janis. Mexico is just so unique when it comes to decorations, and why should their doors be any different? Great shots. – Marty
Hey Marty, great to see you in my comment section again! I agree with you about the art from Mexico, there was so much to see everywhere we looked.
I have a secret love of all those interesting door knockers and handles – they pop up in my pinterest feed regularly and I’m always intrigued by them and what makes people choose the various ones I see. I loved yours – especially the hand ones.
I wish we could have a knocker on our door but isn’t configured for one. I’d like to have one custom-made in some unique shape… maybe a shell or a palm tree… something beachy. Unfortunately, it will remain a dream for now.
Hi Janis
I saw the multi-legged lizards right away. Great example of pareidolia.
Your photos are stunning. How can one small town have so many beautiful doors? All are beautiful, but I love the “hand” knockers best
Thanks for sharing
Laura
Haha! There’s that word again, except this time I think that’s what the artist intended… but, who knows? We found gorgeous doors in Oaxaca too… I think it’s part of their culture (which is why I love it so much).
Janis, this reminds me of “knock, knock, knocking on heaven’s door.” I love many, but the hand clutching the ball is priceless. Keith
I love the hands too. Different ones were clutching different round items: sometimes a ball, sometimes fruit, sometimes who knows what. Most had a ring on a finger too… not sure what that represented.
I love your focus on these doors, Janis. The turquoise knocker is wonderful!
Thank you! That turquoise door was so creative and welcoming.
I love the hand holding the apple. I know I have already said it, but I love this series of posts. Thanks!
Thank you… that hand looks so graceful. Speaking of hands… I hope your injury is healing well.
Just finished hand therapy…yay! Still have lots of stiffness and pain, which I am told should be gone by the one-year mark. I can live with that.
Beautiful! Love number 80’s blues – gorgeous.
The blue they chose for the hardware contrasted so well with the rich red/brown of the door.
Yes, I love vibrant contrasting colours.
The photos of these doors are exquisite, Janis! You captured them so beautifully and I can see you had endless subject matter! All so intriguing but I just love that hand!
Hi Terri… yes, seemingly endless beautiful doors. I really liked the hands too. Unfortunately, I never got a chance to actually knock with one 🙂
Those hands are awesome. My style!
I’m glad you like them!
I love the fact that Mexicans love art so much that they surround themselves with it, including in their architecture and utilitarian objects such as doors. Such a contrast from the rest of North America where we go down to the nearest box store and buy bland mass produced items, and rarely purchase handmade items unless we need a picture to hang above the couch.
Oh, I agree. Even “art” has become mass produced. As the big box stores find there way to the Mexican cities (which they have), I fear that the creativity and unique character of their buildings will start to disappear.