Peacock figurine

Iran, Qajar period, 19th century

Steel, decorated with gold and silver (overlay). The peacock is decorated with forliated ornamentation; a sun dominates the tail.

H: 53 cm / W: 33.5 cm / L: 26 cm

UMP 4836

Purchased from Josef Kohout in 1901.

Fine sculptures rarely appear in Islamic art. However, various types of animal figurines were created – but often these were objects that served some sort of purpose. The tradition of creating animal figurines from metal was preserved to a certain extent in Iran, the source of known nineteenth-century examples of brass incense burners which took the form of peacocks, roosters, elephants, and other animals.  One can also find steel figurines which had no specific practical function and were primarily intended for decorative purposes. An old technique for forging and decorating steel that had usually been used in weapons and armour production was employed on these sculptures. Similar figurines also appeared on steel banners used during the Shia Muslim holiday in the month of Muharram.

In Islamic traditions, the peacock is associated with negative events, like the Expulsion from Paradise. In contrast, in mediaeval Iran the peacock was associated with the popular prophet Solomon, light, and paradise.

l Islamic figurines