Cockatoo Pitcher Pair
Decorative art, ceramic vessels • Likely Continental European or Japanese production in the style of 19th-century majolica; possibly Italian (Bassano) or Portuguese (Bordallo Pinheiro school).
Style & Movement
Majolica revival; stylized naturalism often found in mid-century whimsical tableware.
Medium & Technique
Glazed earthenware with hand-painted lead glazes; relief molding and majolica-style glazing technique characterized by vibrant, translucent colors over a white ground.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940-1960)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 10-12 inches in height; vertical sculptural format.
Subject Description
A pair of decorative pitchers formed in the shape of cockatoos or exotic parrots. The birds are perched with their wings folded, and the handles are modeled to resemble bamboo or tree branches. The color palette consists of ochre, forest green, and dark blue/black glazes.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; significant crazing (fine networks of cracks in the glaze) is visible throughout both pieces, which is common for this type of earthenware.
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $150 for the pair
Auction Estimate
$60 - $90
Provenance History
Unknown; current retail tag suggests acquisition from an estate or secondary market for an antique mall/dealer setting.
Art Historical Significance
Illustrates the enduring popularity of Anthropomorphic and zoomorphic ceramics in 20th-century home decor, drawing inspiration from high Victorian majolica makers like Minton and George Jones.
Notable Features
Mirrored composition (left and right facing) suggests they were produced as a matching decorative set rather than individual utilitarian objects. The heavy crazing indicates an older earthenware body.
Condition Issues
Heavy surface crazing across all glazed areas; potential for small under-glaze chips or flea-bites at the rims and base; staining within crazing lines due to age and handling.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle cleaning with non-abrasive soap; avoid soaking to prevent moisture from entering crazing lines which can cause 'shivering' or glaze loss.