Dovecote (one of a pair) 1745 - 1765

This whimsical ceramic dovecote, made in the style of the famed Staffordshire potter Thomas Whieldon, is a fine example of 18th-century English earthenware. The polychrome lead-glazed piece depicts a multi-tiered birdhouse with a domed roof, ornamented with molded birds. The intricate detailing and vibrant colors, including green, brown, and yellow, highlight the decorative nature of the piece. The dovecote would have likely been used as a decorative element in a domestic setting, showcasing the burgeoning interest in natural history and the beauty of the natural world during this period. The work is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City.