19th Century Zardozi Peacock Framed Wall Panel

This is a superb and rare example of 19th century Zardozi Embroidered panel depicting a peacock on a flower and foliate background with a turquoise silk back panel.

It dates to approximately 1890, produced by master craftsmen in India and in this case may well have been supplied to Liberty of London (there are references to similar panels complete with Liberty's labels to support this). Always designed as a framed hanging panel, this has been reframed during its life (probably late 20th century) which may well account for its remarkable condition, very often these panels of any size, let alone large ones like this, suffer from age degradation. The silk background is particularly prone to issues, so it is with a great pleasure to be able to offer one that is as good as one could hope for in a 225 year old fabric. As a work of art it is to be recommended, it will display perfectly and is ready to hang.

This is a large wall decoration in a substantial brushed aluminium box frame. It stands 45 inches high and is 22 1/2 inches wide, the frame is 1 1/4 inches thick so the textile showing is 42 1/2 inches by 20 inches.

We have endeavoured to ensure the photographs show the detail and the condition accurately (if any further detail is required please contact us.)

In November 1885, Arthur Lasenby Liberty, owner of Liberty & Co, a department store in London, brought forty-two villagers from India to stage a living village of Indian artisans. Liberty's specialized in Oriental goods, in particular imported Indian silks, and the aim of the display was to generate both publicity and sales for the store. This would tie in with the other references we have found to this panel being retailed by Liberty.

Zardozi embroidery is beautiful metal embroidery, which was once used to embellish the attire of the Kings and the royals in India. It was also used to adorn walls of the royal tents, scabbards, wall hangings and the paraphernalia of regal elephants and horses. Zardozi embroidery work involves making elaborate designs, using gold and silver threads.

Zardosi embroidery has been in existence in India from the time of the Rig Veda. There are numerous instances mentioning the use of zari embroidery as ornamentation on the attire of gods. Initially, the embroidery was done with pure silver wires and real gold leaves.

The word 'Zardozi' is made up of two Persian terms, Zar meaning gold and Dozi meaning embroidery. A Persian embroidery form, Zardosi attained its summit in the 17th century, under the patronage of Mughal Emperor Akba.