Antique Peacock with Inset Mirrors and Glass (3122BKE) Burma/Myanmar SPECIAL PRICE

Description

The peacock is very significant in Buddhism, especially the Theravada Buddhism practiced in Burma. It is one of 108 images on the Buddha’s footprint and reflects the short-lived nature of all things, since it appears and vanishes as swiftly as it displays and furls its tail. It is believed that peacocks can eat poisonous plants without being affected and are considered synonymous with the great bodhisattvas who transform the poisonous mind of ignorance, desire and hatred into thoughts of enlightenment, which open colorfully like the peacock’s tail.

The Mahaparitta Pali Sutras (Buddhist scriptures in ancient Pali) reference the peacock:

“The great Being (the Buddha-to-be) was born a peacock,
 fulfilling the necessary requirements for obtaining Enlightenment,
 and having arranged protection for himself by means of this protective discourse
 to freedom, and to those who had achieved freedom.
 Having made this protection, that peacock rested happily at home.”

The peacock was the emblem of the last Burmese Dynasty, the Konbaung (1845-1941). Since the peacock represents the sun and is an emblem of the ruling dynasty, it symbolized the monarchy descending from the sun. The Burmese Peacock Dance relieves droughts caused by the sun, and sacrificing a peacock brings forth rain and the heavenly gift of fertility. A peacock with outspread tail feathers was a common motif over religious and government building entrances as this one may have been. Carved in Mandalay, it was probably attached to an outdoor surface indicated by the hole under its claws. The wings were attached by flat metal panels which have somewhat corroded over time. Effects of age and outdoor use are some missing glass inserts on the body, faded paint and well weathered wood and metal, all which add to its folk art warmth and charm although making it somewhat fragile. It is mounted on a frosted Acrylic base.