Few months ago, I had the great pleasure of designing and realising a very special wedding gift: a Peacock Bowl. I started by creating about 11 different designs (see some examples below); after few hard decisions, the customer set on one design.

A design for the peacock plate

Another design for the peacock plate

Before taking this commission I was wondering about what the peacock represents in the symbolistic tradition, iconography, and across cultures; so I searched for more information about positive meanings associated with the peacock.

In my searches, I discovered that this beautiful bird is a symbol of dignity and grace. In the Chinese and Buddhist cultures, the peacock represents freedom and wisdom; in other cultures it is also thought as a symbol of eternal life.
Beyond these, the peacock is also the symbol of beauty, good luck, compassion and kindness. The peacock is also often used to represent wholeness, patience and nurturing.

Detail of the selected design for the peacock plate

Detail of the design of the feathers

In some cultures this elegant bird is seen as bringing the message that there are no limits to our dreams and anything is possible if we believe and trust the universe.

I think the peacock resembles a very powerful mix of symbolism and beauty and it offers a powerful message to the newly wedded couple.

Details of the feathers in the peacock plate

Details of the feathers in the peacock plate

From the selected design I create a kiln fused glass bowl, which was further engraved to emphasise the texture of the feathers, along with the wishes from the client that commissioned the gift.

The peacock plate