D2564. Polychrome Figure of a Parrot

Delft, circa 1760

Painted with blue, green, yellow and iron-red plumage on the breast, head, back and wings, and a blue beak, modeled standing with its blue legs on a yellow stick on a base with white top and blue scrollwork decoration on the sides.

DIMENSIONS
Height: 18.6 cm. (7.3 in.)

PROVENANCE
The Kitty Valkier-Schreurs Collection, Belgium;
Nijstad Collection, Lochem

LITERATURE
Probably described in exh. cat. Meesterwerken uit Delft, Museum Het Prinsenhof Delft, June 2 – August 15, 1962, p. 79, no. 217;
Described and illustrated in Aronson 2017, p. 104, no. 66

NOTE
The exotic appeal of parrots has persisted since the eighteenth century, when their vibrant colors made them popular models for both porcelain and pottery. As with many Delftware objects, ceramic parrots were initially inspired by Chinese porcelain from the Kangxi period (1662–1722). These porcelain parrots, often decorated in the famille verte palette, gained widespread popularity in both China and Europe due to their striking and exotic appearance. Upon reaching the Netherlands, they quickly found a market among collectors and enthusiasts. Parrots were introduced into the Delft pottery repertoire, complementing the more common animal motifs such as dogs, cows, and horses. The variety of colors and forms provided Delft painters with ample creative opportunities for ornamental decoration.

Delftware parrots were produced from the early seventeenth century until the late eighteenth century, reflecting their enduring popularity, as noted in Lunsingh Scheurleer (1984, p. 132). The basic form was a naturalistic representation of a parrot, though some figures, such as the present example, were modeled after blanc de Chine porcelain hawks, as seen in Blanc de Chine (1985, p. 15, no. 19). These figures, with their strong legs, prominent chests, and sharp claws, exude a sense of sturdiness and seriousness. However, their plumage was often painted in bright, fantastical colors and patterns, making them visually striking ornaments, despite their non-naturalistic appearance.

Delftware parrots were produced in various models, often perched on an oval base or a naturalistic pierced rock. Other examples depict the birds seated on a branch or within a ring, which could be suspended from a higher attachment point, enhancing their decorative appeal in interior spaces.

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