FINE OLD PAIR OF JAPANESE PORCELAIN PARROT FIGURINES

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Our life-size pair of polychrome porcelain parrots appears to date from the early 20th century, when Japanese ceramics studios were busy competing in export markets with popular latter-day Art Nouveau models issued from Europe. To paraphrase an observation made during a recent road show segment, this strikes us as another case w the Japanese product not only represents the sincerest form of flattery but actually embodies artistry as accomplished if not more distinguished than its competition. With this pair of figurines, our presumptions concerning origins and age are supported in part by the presence of handwritten iron red kanji quality control marks on the unglazed biscuit of both bases. Such markings aren't seen as often nowadays, having been obviated by modern slip-casting, which technique produces a higher degree of uniformity. Each of our parrots varies slightly in weight and overall dimensions, due to the investment of hand-molding and detailing involved in its manufacture. Lucky for us too, the bottoms of these models are sealed, unlike the hollow open forms of slip-cast models, adding enough weight to keep our birds sitting perfectly pretty without tipping over on their high perches.SIZE: Each figurine is approximately 11 inches (28.2 centimeters) high. Maximum width is about 5.75 inches (14.7 centimeters). CONDITION: Virtually read more

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