Pair of parakeets 1745 - 1755

These are a pair of parakeets made of soft-paste porcelain by the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory. In the 18th century, porcelain was a luxury item, coveted for its delicate beauty and association with wealth. Figures like these were often displayed in the homes of the elite. Within this context, the parakeets occupy a fascinating place, as birds were often seen as symbols of exotic lands and colonial power. These figurines speak to the complex relationship between Europe and the rest of the world during that era. The labor of those who mined and traded the materials for porcelain were often overlooked while these objects became symbols of status. These parakeets invite us to reflect on the cultural and economic systems that shaped their creation and reception, and to consider the stories they tell about power, privilege, and representation.