A magnificent Saraswati veena built in Baroda, Gujarat by Shomabhai Bapulal Mistry in 1910.  The b/w photo was taken at that time. (courtesy of the builders grandson Dhaval Mistry). Apparently the original instrument which sold for 500 Indian Rupees, had the traditional dragons head, only the new owner found it too aggressive, so it was changed into a peacock, the first of its kind on this type of instrument.

Highly ornamented with some beautiful rare leaves of gold and ivory (bone?), pegs beautifully inlaid and with elaborate decoration, this incredible instrument is still in excellent condition.