Vintage Handpainted Chinese Ceramic Hen on Nest Covered Dish
In China, chickens represent luck, bravery, loyalty, and punctuality...
{HISTORY}
Longtime symbols of domesticity, especially in China where they were the first domesticated animal, ceramic chickens have been a natural decorative choice in the kitchen for centuries. This one features a blue and white color palette mixed in with very pale pinks and greens, all handpainted with care and attention to detail. The hen herself nests in a beautiful landscape of soft grass, pond-side, with a view of the blooming lily pads and the butterflies fluttering from flower to flower. It's an idyllic setting - a poultry paradise if you will - full of serenity and contemplation of the mystery time period in which this hen was made and how you might incorporate her into your space.
Other than the Chinese characters handpainted on the bottom, which translate to... made in few countries... we aren't quite sure if that means she's a rarity in that you'd only find such a creature in few countries or that it's the exact opposite and that you can find her in many countries. Perhaps also, it refers to the fact that she is handpainted and therefore unique. Given the fact that there are not many similar hens online these days, we'd estimate that she's more of lone chicken than one of a big flock.
Either way, she's a beauty all on her own but looks especially fetching when paired with other blue and white dishware. An eye-catching and whimsical statement piece, she's double-glazed inside and out so she could be put into service as a storage container or a serving dish, but we like her best as an art piece tucked in with antique ironstone, flow blue, and all-white dishware collections. A happy hen in a happy kitchen!
{SPECIAL FEATURES}
- Two-piece set
- Handpainted
- Handpainted Chinese mark on bottom
{CONDITION}
In beautiful vintage condition. There are no chips, cracks or staining. The glaze is very shiny and bright both inside and out.
{SIZE}
Measures 5.5" inches (length) x 4" inches (width) x 4" inches (height) and weighs 1lb.
{STYLE IDEA}
Pair this little hen with any of these blue and white dishware pieces and you'll have an instant eye-catching collection ready to delight your spirit and your decor.