
On view in Gallery 512 at The Met Fifth Avenue are two porcelain peacocks produced at the esteemed Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory (British, 1745–1784). Crafted during the 1750s and now in the Museum’s European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection, this proud pair serve as the inspiration behind our new Chelsea Peacock jewelry.


Our designers reimagined the regal bird as the now best-selling Chelsea Peacock Brooch, and evoked the lush blues, greens, and purples of a peacock feather with the iridescent cultured freshwater pearls defining the Chelsea Peacock Pearl Necklace and Drop Earrings, available individually and as a set.




Various avian figurines were made at the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory since its inception and they accounted for an important category of its early sculptural output, especially during the so-called Raised Anchor period (1749–52).


Though most of these birds are small in scale and simple in form, elevated by eye-catching enamel detailing, more than 20 of the models are based on intricate illustrations from A Natural History of Uncommon Birds, and of Some Other Rare and Undescribed Animals, Quadrupeds, Fishes, Reptiles, Insects, &c. (1743–51). This influential book by the British ornithologist George Edwards published the latest findings in the scholarly research of birds.
The reference to Edwards’s notably accurate records reflects the factory’s artistic seriousness, and the numerous avian figurines made during the Raised Anchor period indicate their commercial popularity. But for reasons unknown, the production of these birds declined in the following Red Anchor period (ca. 1752–58), which is when the Museum's peacocks were made. In addition to their relative rarity, then, the peacocks are larger and more technically ambitious than their predecessors.


For many artists and artisans throughout history, the peacock feather has exemplified the awesome beauty of the natural world. The motif is likewise a fan favorite at The Met Store, where you can shop a variety of inspired designs.
Both the William Morris Peacock and Dragon Square Silk Scarf and matching Oversize Structured Tote celebrate a whimsical textile designed in 1878 by the incomparable William Morris (British, 1834–1896).


Morris was deeply influenced by the Gothic Revival movement pervading Victorian architecture, which promoted artisanship and handcrafting over mass production. He was likewise inspired by the fanciful beasts in medieval tapestries, as exemplified in this kaleidoscopic motif of confronted peacocks and stylized dragons. We've amplified the muted colors of Morris's original textile with a refreshing palette of vibrant hues.


In the early 1890s, the illustrious Gilded Age designer Louis Comfort Tiffany (American, 1848–1933) developed a method of blending colors in glass while it was still in a molten state. He called the results "Favrile," and was duly celebrated for the extraordinary innovation.


A Favrile vase (ca. 1900) boasting a sumptuous peacock-feather motif is behind several of our beloved designs, from the Louis C. Tiffany Peacock Feather Shawl to a timeless enamel bangle and a giftable tea set, which includes a tea towel, a covered mug with tea infuser, and a tin of Favrile Luster Milky Oolong tea (all of which are also sold separately) from our collaboration with Harney & Sons.


Recalling an exquisite brooch emulating this celebrated subject, our French Peacock Feather Bookmark is an artful token of your visit to The Met. Crafted around 1925–35 by an unknown French designer, the dazzling gold, sapphire, emerald, topaz, diamond, and amethyst adornment in the Museum's holdings honors the magnificence of its source.


Shop the Chelsea Peacock collection and other peacock-inspired jewelry, accessories, home accents, and gifts in-store and online.