Continental c.1860

A fine pair of mid nineteenth century pottery sparrow hawk sculptures, with finely painted feathers, the opposing hawks, perched on naturalistic branch bases. The hawks’ heads are turned to one side, surveying for competing predators. Attributed to KPM Berlin.

KPM Berlin (Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur) was founded in 1763 by Frederick the Great. Private businesses had attempted to establish a porcelain manufacturer in Berlin from 1751 onwards, first by Wilhelm Caspar Wegely and then by Johann Ernst Gotzkowsky. The Seven Years’ War led both Wegely and Gotzowsky to financial difficulties, and in 1763 Frederick purchased the company. KPM became a model business, renowned for their lack of child labour, above-average payments, and care for widows and orphans of workers. The company remains active and these hawks typify their style during the mid-nineteenth century.

Height 24.00cm

Width 13.00cm

Depth 9.00cm