Sculpture, Gruppo scultoreo in ceramica smaltata policroma raffigurante due faraone su tronco, su base in legno - 32.5 cm - Terracotta - 1890

Elegant polychrome ceramic group depicting two guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) perched on a broken tree trunk, resting on a naturalistic mound-shaped base with raised leaves. The larger bird, with cream-white plumage shaded with yellow, stands prominently in the foreground. Behind it is a second bird with dark brown plumage.

The moulded modelling is detailed, with feathers rendered in relief. The faces are carefully hand-painted: an eye with a pale periocular ring and fine brushwork, and an orange casque and wattles. The piece has a thick, glossy glaze, with flowing and shaded effects in greens, yellows and browns, typical of polychrome ceramics in the “majolica” style.

The group is mounted on a dark glazed wooden square base, set at a diamond angle.

Height: 32.5 cm (including wooden base measuring 14 x 14 cm)
Material: glazed ceramic [earthenware/majolica]
Marks: no visible mark, stamp or signature
Period: Late 19th century
Origin: Europe