Peacock and Dragon woven wool furnishing fabric 1878

This woven wool furnishing fabric, likely created in the late 19th century by William Morris, is dominated by the recurring motifs of the peacock and the dragon, symbols steeped in cultural lore. The peacock, often associated with vanity and pride, also embodies renewal and immortality due to its molting and re-growing of feathers. Dragons, typically emblems of chaos, also represent power and good fortune, particularly in Eastern traditions. Interestingly, these motifs have appeared independently in diverse cultures, only to converge later in Western art and design. Take the dragon: From the biblical Leviathan to the dragons slain by heroes in classical myths, and their counterparts in ancient Eastern legends, their resonance is enduring. One may argue that the persistence of such symbols speaks to the enduring human fascination with natural cycles, death, and rebirth. These symbols evoke primordial fears and hopes, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The Peacock and Dragon embody a non-linear progression, resurfacing and evolving through different historical contexts, taking on new meanings, demonstrating the continuous interplay between past and present, a testament to the enduring power of symbols.