Period: 19^th century

Provenance: North India, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Pair of 23k gold Peacock Broches, kundan set with rose cut natural diamonds and dark blue and green enamel. The reverse is decorated with multicolor enamel, depicting the front design. 

Among birds, the peacock is the most important, not only because of its beauty, elegance, colorful body and features, but also because it is the vahana (mount) of Shiva and Paravati’s second son Skanda also known as Kumara or Karttikeya. The graceful peacock, with its iridescent feathers, is admired all over India; it is often seen depicted with a Floriated tail. This has been a particular feature of Indian art since very ancient times and is mentioned in ancient Sanskrit literary works. Peacocks symbolize joy, beauty and pride, and it is believed they can kill serpents.

The peacock represents the very essence of Indian philosophy and occupies a respectable position in Indian culture. It is considered a symbol of love, grace and joy, and the richness of colors gives it a heavenly beauty. The peacock, known as MAYURA in Sanskrit, enjoys a fabled place in India, and is frequently depicted in temple art, mythology, poetry and traditions. Several Hindu deities are associated with the bird, for example, Kartikeya the god of war and general of the army of the gods, rides a peacock. Lord Krishna is often depicted with a peacock feather in his headdress. Peacock motifs were widely used in jewellery designs.