Indian Standing Figure of a Peacock

A peacock in full fan, with nothing left to prove.

Indian metalworkers made this standing peacock in brass in the 20th century. The peacock is the national bird of India, and commonly associated with beauty, grace and the rainy season. The bird stands on a small round, stepped base, its body slender and its head tipped upward. The tail is opened into a large fan, filled with rows of engraved teardrop shapes and rings of dots. The brass has aged to a warm, matte gold with slight darker tone in the incisions.

About six inches tall and six wide. The most dignified guest on any sideboard.