English exotic bird tray in the Worcester & James Giles tradition, cobalt blue, c.1850
£1,580.00
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A fine English tray dating to the mid-19th century, decorated in the Worcester and James Giles exotic bird tradition. The body is of high-quality English manufacture, probably porcelain or stone china.
The central reserve is painted with a lively composition of exotic birds in a landscape. This type of decoration developed from celebrated Rococo bird painting and became closely associated with Worcester and the London workshop of James Giles. Today these imaginative creatures are often described by collectors as Exotic, Fabulous, Dishevelled, Aggressive or Agitated Birds.
The tray is richly decorated with a deep mottled cobalt-blue ground, Rococo-shaped reserves, hand-painted flowers and extensive gilding. The central bird cartouche forms the focal point of the design, while the floral reserves provide an elegant balance to the overall composition. Particular attention should be given to the substantial openwork handles. Richly gilded and carefully modelled, they form an important part of the design and contribute greatly to the tray's display presence.
The underside bears a red mark, possibly a painter's monogram or decorator's mark. While its exact meaning remains uncertain, it may relate to the artist or workshop responsible for the decoration. Collectors will appreciate the combination of exotic bird decoration, rich cobalt colouring and the long tradition linking Worcester and the influential workshop of James Giles.
Measurements
Length: 33 cm / 12.99″
Width: 21.7 cm / 8.54″
Height: 5.7 cm / 2.24″
Weight: 1175 g
Condition
There is a small crack in the upper left corner with overpainting around the affected area, as shown in the photographs. Otherwise in excellent antique condition.
Shipping & Packaging
Fully tracked and insured delivery.
Shipping cost includes professional packaging, careful handling and secure postage.
Carefully packed using recycled materials where possible.
Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description, and feel free to ask any questions.
English exotic bird tray in the Worcester & James Giles tradition, cobalt blue, c.1850
£1,580.00
The central reserve is painted with a lively composition of exotic birds in a landscape. This type of decoration developed from celebrated Rococo bird painting and became closely associated with Worcester and the London workshop of James Giles. Today these imaginative creatures are often described by collectors as Exotic, Fabulous, Dishevelled, Aggressive or Agitated Birds.
The tray is richly decorated with a deep mottled cobalt-blue ground, Rococo-shaped reserves, hand-painted flowers and extensive gilding. The central bird cartouche forms the focal point of the design, while the floral reserves provide an elegant balance to the overall composition. Particular attention should be given to the substantial openwork handles. Richly gilded and carefully modelled, they form an important part of the design and contribute greatly to the tray's display presence.
The underside bears a red mark, possibly a painter's monogram or decorator's mark. While its exact meaning remains uncertain, it may relate to the artist or workshop responsible for the decoration. Collectors will appreciate the combination of exotic bird decoration, rich cobalt colouring and the long tradition linking Worcester and the influential workshop of James Giles.
Measurements
Length: 33 cm / 12.99″
Width: 21.7 cm / 8.54″
Height: 5.7 cm / 2.24″
Weight: 1175 g
Condition
There is a small crack in the upper left corner with overpainting around the affected area, as shown in the photographs. Otherwise in excellent antique condition.
Shipping & Packaging
Fully tracked and insured delivery.
Shipping cost includes professional packaging, careful handling and secure postage.
Carefully packed using recycled materials where possible.
Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description, and feel free to ask any questions.