A CEREMONIAL METAL THREAD-SEWN DARK BLUE VELVET PEACOCK FEATHER WHISK (MORCHAL)
Possibly Northern India or Murshidabad, West Bengal, mid to late 19th century

Of elongated conical shape, made of a midnight blue velvet length stretched on an inner grid of eight long bamboo reeds, reinforced with two circular inner reed supports, the outer body applied with overlapping rows of drop-shaped petals worked with gilt spangles and bullion knots in metallic threads of varying gauge with a stylised flower, each edged with rows of metallic rope and tinsel, interspersed with pasted rosettes of glass and bullion-knotted metal thread, attempting to naturalistically render bunched and layered peacock feathers, the top with a grid of metallic thread and red glass beads, sewn to red silk fitting with couched metallic thread trellis, mounted on a chased silver handle decorated with stylised repoussé acanthus leaf design and chevron patterns, 18cm diam. and 76cm high.

Often pictured in Indian paintings held aloft behind a ruler's back, the morchal of peacock feathers symbolised the king’s role as protector from sickness and malice. Peacocks are renowned emblems of royalty in India, and the spread of this bird’s feathers has often been considered a powerful shield against the evil eye, acting as a form of divine protection. A similarly decorated and constructed ceremonial fan retaining its original peacock feathers on the interior is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (inv. no. 2488(IS)).