Old silver censer in the shape of peacock

  
Old colonial silver censer in the shape of a peacock. The censers were used from the ancient period to burn aromatic herbs inside with the purpose to perfume the rooms.

The censer came to Latin America through Spanish and it was in this continent where silversmiths created new shapes such as llamas, peacocks and deer, and also, they incorporated new decorative details. An important colonial centre for silverware was Alto Peru where the censers played a relevant role in civil silverware. A good example from this old Peruvian centre is the piece shown here.

It is a peacock silver censer made in laminated, embossed and incision techniques. The lower part of the peacock's body plays as the burner where the aromatic herbs are burnt (like thyme) and which expel a scented smoke through the small holes in the lid or upper part of the peacock's body. The peacock's tail moves on hinges.

The censer is in very good condition considering the use and passage of time. 21 x 16 x 16 cm (height x width). For the United States and Europe. Please do not hesitate to ask for more photographs.