Parrot (one of a pair) 1740

This porcelain parrot, one of a pair, was created by the Meissen Manufactory in 1740. Meissen, located in Germany, was the first European porcelain factory, and its expertly crafted figurines of animals were highly prized. The detailed modeling and realistic depiction of the parrot, perched on a branch, highlight the skilled craftsmanship of the Meissen artists, whose works were often collected by European royalty. This particular sculpture is now on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.