This bird would have probably been on of a pair of antique Staffordshire pottery birds both modelled to face each other. They would have be used as chimney place ornaments or decorations in a Victorian interior. My figurine is a genuine antique example and dates to around the 1870s.
I have another matched pair for sale in my store - but those are smaller in size and with less fancy or elaborate paintwork.
I am not sure which exotic bird is represented here - it might be a pheasant or a colourful fancy pigeon. But he certainly looks very dramatic perched on the high mound with his bright yellow puffed out chest. He is also a larger example - and these are a bit harder to find.
Similar examples are illustrated in Victorian Staffordshire Figures, 1835 - 1875 by A.N. Harding. Page 234 (Figures 2843 and 2844).
DIMENSIONS: The height is 13 1/2 inches (31.5 cm). Width is 6 1/4 inches (16 cm) Depth is just over 3 1/4 inches (8.5 cm).
Condition - my large bird model is good antique condition with no nasty chips or cracks. It displays beautifully.
I love all the vivid colours used on the foliage of the bird - it is very painterly. The mossy mound is also coloured with loose brushstrokes.
It is certainly a fabulous item for a period country farmhouse - but with those bright colours it would also look good on display in modern domestic interior. This large colourful are certainly harder to find figures and have more three-dimensional modelling to them.
These are genuine Victorian examples and NOT later copies or reproductions. They are antique pieces and are priced and sold as such.
Due to his size and weight - it would have to be sent to you with Parcelforce24 insured and tracked.