Fine Samuel Alcock Rococo Porcelain Ornithological Basket c.1845

A fine quality rococo revival style large ornamental porcelain basket by Samuel Alcock, c.1840-45. Raised on an asymmetric scrolled shaped base, the upper level of which, and the interior of the basket is decorated in a bright sky blue enamel. In the centre of the basket framed in gilt bands is an ornithological study of a bird, a reed bunting, in a naturalistic setting, very finely painted against a landscape of river and marshes.

The shaped rococo style rim has 6 moulded rosette shapes, edged in gold with a salmon ground, each with a central reserve painted with a pink rose ad separated with white and gold scrolls and arabesques to complete the rim. A large twig shaped split handle spans the basket again all edged and picked out in gilding with further gilt decoration to the blue ground and base including the scrolled, shaped feet. Marked to the base with fractional pattern number "No 3/5175..". 

It measures 16.5cm (6 1/2") high, 24cm (9 3/8") long and 18cm (7 1/8") wide. 

Condition is very good: there are 2 hairlines across one side of the handle, one near the terminal and the other near enough invisible to the naked eye on the other branch. No other damage or restoration. Handling wear is minimal, a small mark to the blue enamel ground near the site of the hairline, but no discernible wear otherwise to the enamel grounds, the bird or the gilding.