Police Officers Took Door Painted by Pirosmani to Police Station

On April 19, in the afternoon, about 50 police officers were mobilized near the house of Kvrivishvilis in Bodbiskhevi village in Sighnaghi district. They tried to withdraw the door painted by Niko Pirosmani from their house.

The door-owner Vano Kvrivishvili told the Kakheti News Center that police officers did not have any permission from the court though they threatened them with imprisonment in case of resistance.

Sighnaghi district police officials did not comment on the fact. According to the Kakheti News Center, the investigation about the door painted by Pirosmani started on April 14. The prosecutor’s office did not clarify what became the initial basis to launch investigation.

According to the Kakheti News Center, Avtandil Ozashvili alleges that the house and Marani (location for storing wine in special pitchers) in Ozaani village, Dedoplistskaro district belongs to him; the Kvrivishvilis destroyed the house and removed the door from Marani without his permission. Reportedly, Ozashvili has filed complaint to the police on the fact. Kakheti News Center could not get in touch with Ozashvili yet.

In 2010, Vano Kvrivishvili from Bodbiskhevi village in Sighnaghi district destroyed the house and Marani located in Ozaani village and removed the door too. He said he had purchased the house from Tristan Ozashvili.

Dedoplistskaro district police is investigating the case on the door painted by famous Georgian painter Niko Pirosmani. Chief police officer Gela Bunturi said the case was launched under charge of arbitrary behavior based on the appeal of Avtandil Ozashvili residing in Belgium.

Sighnaghi district prosecutor Davit Dughashvili reported to the Kakheti News Center the investigation will find out the real owner of the door; if they prove that the door belongs to Kvrivishvilis, it will be returned to them.

“The police officers said they took the door for security reasons and will store it until court passes judgment on our case,” said Nino Kvrivishvili.

We kindly remind you that the inscription on the door might have been performed by Pirosmani. The information was initially spread by the Kakheti News Center in June of 2010.

The experts’ assumption that the inscription was made by Pirosmani is grounded by the fact that the famous painter’s niece lived in Ozaani village with her husband. Reportedly, Prisomani often visited his relative in Ozaani. Short time ago, the expertise confirmed that the door was really painted by Pirosmani.

Kakheti News Center