Two peacocks carved in reddish-brown stone curve their long necks forward, each head bowed with a small hole pierced through the neck. The bodies taper to a point at the back, where each bird was set into the wall, and the surfaces carry the rough grain of hand tools, with chalky traces of old plaster. These 18th century carved stone corbels come from the havelis of Rajasthan, the merchant mansions where projecting brackets in the form of birds and figures decorated the facade and held oil lamps beside the doorway. The peacock is a favorite motif in Indian architecture, tied to the monsoon, beauty and royalty.
The two birds differ slightly in size, the larger measuring 8.5 inches long and the smaller 8 inches, so they read as a natural pair. Set them on a console, a mantel or a bookshelf, side by side or at either end, where their warm stone and simple lines work as small sculptures.
-
Era: 18th century
-
Origin: Rajasthan, India
-
Material: Carved stone
-
Size: Set of 2, larger 8.5"(W) x 2"(D) x 6.5"(H), smaller 8"(W) x 2"(D) x 5.5"(H)
-
Color: Reddish brown with chalky plaster traces
-
Condition: Wear consistent with age and use, part of its character and historical value. Weathered, rough surfaces with old plaster residue.
This set of two antique 18th century carved stone peacock corbels from Rajasthan, India once decorated haveli facades and held oil lamps. The larger measures 8.5 inches wide and 6.5 inches tall, and the smaller 8 inches wide and 5.5 inches tall. They work as a pair of sculptures on a console, mantel or shelf.
Q: What is a haveli corbel?
A: A corbel is a projecting bracket that supports a balcony, window or eave. On havelis, the grand merchant mansions of Rajasthan and Gujarat, stone and wood corbels were carved as birds, elephants and figures, and some also held oil lamps beside the entrance.
Q: How do you display antique stone corbels indoors?
A: Set them on a console, mantel or shelf as a pair, with space between them and a plain wall behind. Place them at different heights or on a stack of books so the bowed heads and long necks stand out.
**Please bear in mind that colors of products shown may vary slightly from their original color due to monitor display settings or photography studio
