This is a very rare set of antique panels from the Middle East. They are covered with a fine, yellow silk background and then over embroidered with pure silver-wrapped silk threads and accented with with antique, metal sequins.

These panels were originally made for someone in the ultra-wealthy class. Firstly, the preparation of the silk threads, then, the over-wrapping of the threads with handmade, thin flattened sheaths of pure silver, took an immense amount of time. Afterwards, these precious elements were painstakingly and masterly embroidered into a beautiful scene of peacock birds in a lush garden landscape of blossoming flowers growing behind precious, gemstone rocks jutting as outcrops below and depicted by multi-colored, satin stitch embroidery, all on a golden-yellow silk background. The silver wrapped threads, at the time of manufacture, would have glistened as would the handmade sequins that would have captured the sunlight and made for a very dazzling display!

The two outer panels each depict a male peacock killing and devouring a cobra snake and protecting the beautiful garden. The center panel depicts a female peahen flying downward to her own, now safe spot in this magical garden.

Wealthy families in the Middle East, including Persia and India, had incredibly beautiful gardens in which their children would play and their family members would stroll. This area of the world is also well known for its dangerous population of venomous snakes, including the infamous cobra. Peafowl are known to be very bold, natural enemies of cobra and other venomous snakes. They will kill and devour them upon sight. Wealthy families would keep flocks of these large, beautiful birds in their gardens, not only for their magnificent displays of flash and beauty, but also to keep the snake population suppressed while the birds roamed free at will.

This is truly a museum worthy and high quality textile group. The panels are circa 19th century, possibly earlier. The backing is antique French textile.

There was a very interesting underlining found under one of the panels in the back. It is an antique muslin cloth with what appears to be the drawn and printed bust of a male American Indian.

Size: Each panel measures approximately 58 in. H x 20.5 in. W. Overall, the width of the entire screen measures approximately 60 1/2 inches wide.

Please Note: All items in this months sale will be shipped out of South Carolina. Post auction, we will email the winning bidders with the contact information of our UPS shipping partner. If you wish to get a shipping estimate from the UPS Store prior to bidding on a lot in which you are interested, please contact us by email and we will be happy to put you in touch with the UPS Store manager.

In antique condition and needing conservation; the silk foundation is very dry; the embroidery is loose and rubbed in many areas. The silver has naturally darkened over the centuries, which is commonly seen in antique textiles embellished with silver metallic threads. (See pics)