Many Hindu and Buddhist objects are made in the shape of peacocks as protective creatures. Hindus believe its feathers protect energy, bring prosperity and are a reminder of the celebration of life. In India peacocks have historically been common motifs in Indian ancient stories, poems, songs and art as symbols of love, joy, peace, harmony and poise and have a strong and auspicious tradition in Hindu religion and mysticism. Many Hindu sculptures use peacocks as a symbol of the cycle of time since it represents the succession of temporal cycles in Hindu cosmogony. Lord Vishnu used a feather from Garuda, the majestic bird that carries him on its back, to create the peacock. It is closely associated with many other deities: Lakshmi, Saraswati and Krishna. It is regarded as a protective creature for the physical and psychic self as its screech is a warning of possible danger. In the home its feathers are believed to protect the energy in the environment and to bring prosperity. It is a constant reminder of the celebration of life as during courting the male bird dances for the benefit of the female. In 1963, it was declared the India’s National Bird.
Some Hindu legends claim that the Buddha was a golden peacock in a previous birth. In Buddhism it is 83 of the 108 images on the Buddha’s footprint, it represents the short-lived nature of all things since its forms appear and vanish as swiftly it displays and furls its tail, and in esoteric Buddhism it is a symbol of wholeness that combines all colors in its tail. It is used in Burmese folk art, architecture and on utilitarian carvings such as heddle pulleys and ox carts as the emblem of its last dynasty the Kon-baung Dynasty (1845-1941). The Peacock Dance is performed to end droughts and peacocks are sacrificed to bring rain and the heavenly gift of fertility. It also symbolizes beauty and dignity and the desire for peace and prosperity.
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Oil lamps (diya) are used daily by Hindus throughout India for prayer rituals (puja) performed on a home altar or in temples for devotional worship. Hindus believe that diyas are essential, as light itself is the absence of darkness and where evil forces dwell. Light and the act of lighting a lamp signify purity, virtuosity,…
This Burmese teak heddle pulley is topped by a graceful peacock. The peacock symbolizes wholeness, combining all colors with its spread tail and the fleeting nature of all sentient beings. Drawing on old animistic beliefs, old folk art Burmese heddles are decorated with carvings of mythical or auspicious animals providing the weaver protection and assuring good quality weaving. Mounted on wood base.
This elegant heddle pulley carved from a single piece of Burmese teak is topped by a peacock, which in Buddhism represents the short-lived nature of all things. Borrowing from ancient animistic traditions, it was believed that auspicious symbolic animal images protected the weaver, assured quality weaving, and pleased the gods and spirits. This antique folk piece is wonderfully weathered from time and use.
This elegant antique heddle-pulley carved from a single piece of Burmese teak is topped by a hamsa, a goose-like bird and a sacred Buddhist symbol of wisdom. Auspicious symbolic animal images are believed protect the weaver, assure quality weaving, and pleases the gods and spirits. It is wonderfully weathered from time and use with minor losses with a fine patina. Mounted on a black wood base, this heddle pulley pairs well with item number 11298A.
This glass painting of a peacock was one of a pair of inset panels along with Krishna Playing his Flute (3982) in a highly decorative piece inset in antique Indian cabinet or chest. Beautifully painted with reflective silver accents it is a vibrant and remarkable wall hanging. As both panels were originally displayed together, we recommend they be kept as a pair. Peacocks, the national bird of India, are an integral part of Hindu and Indian art and culture depicted in spiritual and decorative art.
This vibrant glass painting of Krishna along with the panel of a Peacock (3983MCE) were insets in a highly decorated Indian wood cabinet or chest. Krishna is one of the most popular Hindu deities, beautifully depicted here in a bright yellow dhoti, peacock feather crown, and jewels in serenading his adoring gopis with his engaging flute. The unique frame complements the painting’s richness and vintage feel.
An Indian toran or bandhanwar is a beadwork tapestry traditionally placed at home doorways and thresholds and symbolize warmth, positivity, and protection. Their origin lies in ancient Hindu religious texts which are part of the Vedas, the vast genre of Indian literature that includes myths, legends, traditional philosophy, lore and rituals (circa 1500-1000 BC). They…
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