Each bird is shown balanced on its two large feet with a snake in its mouth, as if a captured moment, the bird having just caught its next meal. Each cusped mihrab arch is decorated with a large central acanthus leaf to the top, with further smaller leaves above and below the cusped section. To each spandrel is a stylised poppy spray. The whole main field is framed to every side by plain, fluted and leafy borders. A symbol of India, thousands of peacocks can still be found in Indian temples, perhaps because they are said to be great snake-slayers. Reputed to be immune to snake bites, their venom-rich blood is believed to chase away evil spirits. The god Krishna wears peacock feathers in his hair and legend tells of the sons of Shiva riding on the back of the peacock. Originally these panels would have formed part of a faรงade of a grand Mughal pavilion.
Provenance: Spink and Son, London