Fox and crow in a group 1750 - 1760

This 18th-century porcelain scent bottle, created by the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory, depicts a fox and a crow perched on a tree trunk. The fox, painted in shades of red and white, appears to be reaching up toward the crow, which is holding a piece of bread in its beak. The bottle's delicate form and intricate details showcase the skilled craftsmanship of the Chelsea factory, a leading producer of English porcelain during the 18th century. The scene itself alludes to the famous Aesop fable, "The Fox and the Crow," highlighting the cleverness of the fox and the crow's gullibility. This miniature work of art, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, demonstrates the enduring appeal of animal fables and the beauty of early English porcelain.