{HISTORY}

Featuring a portion of George Edwards' 18th-century engraving titled The Amadavad and the White-Breasted Indian Sparrow, this pretty little vintage covered candy dish was made by Villeroy & Boch between 1983-1985. 

With its detailed imagery of a beautiful Amadavad, also known as a Strawberry Finch, this dish initially was part of Villeroy & Boch's Paradiso series and included bird imagery on a wide variety of kitchen items, ranging from dinner plates to coasters to cups and everything in between. Available in three sizes - small, medium, and large - this is the medium size candy dish, an ample vessel for holding sugar, butter, dipping sauces, jams and jellies, or any other food that might benefit from a protective cover while entertaining.

George Edwards (1694-1773) was one of England's most well-regarded ornithologists and naturalists, as well as being an incredible artist. Between 1743-1751, George published a series of illustrated volumes under the title A Natural History of Uncommon Birds of which this engraving of the Amadavad was a part.

Native to India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, the Amadavad is known for its spotted feathers and its ability to transform from rusty, earthy colors to vibrant reds and yellows during mating season. While originally just found in a handful of countries, as part of India's exotic pet trade, these finches can now be found in the U.S, in Hawaii, where they are flourishing and considered a non-threatened species. 

It's so fun to think that the subject of this dish, along with the artist who captured its portrait, and the pottery that made it all have roots in the mid-1700s, but the container itself, although of more modern vintage, still retains such a timeless aesthetic.  That's thanks to its classic design, a hallmark of Villeroy & Boch, which has been making exquisite dishware, kitchen, and bath items since the 18th century. 

Engraving of George Edwards by Bartholomew Dandridge circa 1754. Photo of Villeroy & Boch headquarters in Mettlach, Germany, courtesy of dguendel. Photo of Amadavad bird changing colors during mating season in Bangladesh, courtesy of Sifat Sharker.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Two-piece set includes removable lid and base
• Medium Size
• Colors include Dark lime, chocolate mustard, marigold, brick, rust, white, and black
• Stamped on bottom with maker's mark

{CONDITION}

In beautiful vintage condition, this dish contains no chips, cracks, spots, or stains. The bird illustration is finely detailed with crisp, clear markings.

{SIZE}

Measures 4" inches (diameter) x 2" inches (height) and weighs 10 oz.