Polychromed Indian Peacock Figure From Surat - Ca 1900 Material - Cryptomeria Provenance: an English private collection

Provenance: an English private collection

These elaborate chests were covered in finely carved animals

98 x 45 x 88 (wxdxh cms)

Hinged bifold doors open to reveal a large interior space with two shelves

This style of box is almost exclusively made from sticks harvested from the kair tree (capparis decidua)

Polychromed Indian Peacock Figure From Surat - Ca 1900 Material - Cryptomeria Provenance: an English private collectionThis charming polychromed wooden peacock figure originates from Surat, Gujarat, and dates to around 1900. Hand carved and richly decorated, the sculpture retains traces of its original painted and gilded surface, with beautifully aged tones of gold, red and green lending the piece a wonderfully timeworn character. Stylised in form yet elegant in posture, the peacock stands proudly upon a painted plinth base decorated with traditional floral motifs.