Large parrot on fruit basket Vereinigte Wiener und Gmundner Keramik ca. 1913-19

Representations of birds in porcelain and ceramics have their origins in the princely tradition of maintaining collections of animals, which were seen as microcosms of the universe and symbols of royal power and wealth. These collections often included exotic birds such as parrots, admired for their intelligence, rarity, and brightly colored plumage.
As early as the 18th century, German and English porcelain manufactories produced a wide range of bird sculptures, some life-sized, which served as prestigious collector’s items and were displayed in the collections and residences of nobles.

Building on this tradition, 20th-century ceramic artists such as Michael Powolny designed figures of exotic birds, including parrots. A large parrot, approximately 76 centimeters in size, sitting on a fruit basket with flowers, shows clear parallels to Powolny’s style. Powolny, co-founder of the Wiener Keramik, had a particular affinity for animal figures and whimsical, imaginative designs. A hallmark of his works is the rich and colorful flower and fruit adornments that often accompany his figures.
The parrot bears the marks of both the Wiener and Gmundner Keramik, which merged in May 1913 to form the Vereinigte Wiener und Gmundner Keramik. Since these marks are rarely seen after 1919, the creation of this parrot can be dated to the period between 1913 and 1919. Due to ist impressive size, this parrot figure is an absolute rarity and, with ist stunning vibrancy, makes for a particularly exceptional collector’s piece.