Peacock

This figure of a peacock, holding a snake in its beak, has been carved out of walrus tusk. Peacocks were popular subjects for depiction on decorative objects produced in Japan. Trade between Japan and India under the British Empire started when select Japanese ports were opened up to the British in 1858. Alliance between these two empires was further extended through Japenese exhibitions held in London in 1885 and in 1910. The British Empire promoted trade between India and Japan and this object is a testimony of friendly relations that existed between Great Britain and Japan.