Plant motifs with birds (six panels) ( 1-2) Roerich N.K. (Part 1)

The presented pair of rectangular panels displays a stylized decorative scheme executed on what appears to be wooden surfaces. A dominant turquoise blue provides the background for the composition, its texture suggesting age and possibly exposure to the elements. The surface is not uniformly colored; variations in tone hint at layers of paint or natural discoloration over time.
Each panel features a central motif: an arched structure framing a bird figure. The arch itself is rendered with simplified lines, employing warm earth tones – ochre, beige, and touches of reddish-brown – that contrast sharply with the cool blue backdrop. Within the arch, a bird stands in profile, its plumage indicated by delicate pink markings. The artist has chosen to depict the bird with an elongated neck and a small head, emphasizing a sense of elegance or perhaps fragility.
Below the arched structure on each panel is a stylized representation of foliage. A cluster of leaves, rendered in green, emerges from a circular base, adding a touch of naturalism to the otherwise geometric design. The leaves are simplified shapes, lacking detailed venation or individual characteristics.
The overall effect is one of restrained ornamentation. The limited color palette and flattened perspective contribute to a sense of formality and symbolic weight. The repetition of the motif across the two panels suggests they were intended as part of a larger decorative ensemble, possibly for architectural elements like doors or screens.
Subtextually, the work could be interpreted as representing themes of nature and sanctuary. The bird within the arch might symbolize freedom contained, or perhaps spiritual aspiration sheltered by protective structures. The foliage reinforces this connection to the natural world, while the turquoise blue background evokes a sense of serenity or transcendence. The deliberate simplicity of the forms suggests an intention to convey meaning through symbolic representation rather than realistic depiction.