Antique Chinese & Japanese PorcelainEuropean Ceramics & Works of Art
A Chinese famille verte biscuit parrot, Kangxi (1662-1722), the bird painted with green enamel, its feathers finely incised, modelled perching upon ochre rockwork.
Dimensions:
Height: 10.6cm. (4 1/4in.)
Condition:
Good
Notes:
It is highly likely that this piece was made specifically for export to Europe, where figures of animals and birds were in high demand amongst buyers who prized the ‘oriental’. Parrots embodied this exoticism, and the birds were commonly imported to Europe from India, Africa and South America during the 17th and 18th centuries as trading routes expanded. Easily captured, tamed and transported, they were highly prized amongst elite circles in Europe for their colourful plumage and ability to mimic. One of the most famous parrot enthusiasts around this time was Louis XIV, who kept a large aviary of exotic birds at Versailles. His mistress Madam du Barry was also a lover of the colourful birds, and reportedly once had a naval officer knighted for presenting her with a green parrot.
Guest & Gray 58 Davies StreetLondonW1K 5LP
