Pottery Music Box Appraisal

Pottery Cardinal Music Box with Floral Base

This is a pottery cardinal music box, a charming decorative piece. The primary figure is a vibrant red cardinal, meticulously perched on a faux tree branch stump. The cardinal's plumage is rendered with a textured surface, and its head features a distinctive black mask around the eyes and a light-colored, pointed beak. Its prominent crest is also red, matching its body. The bird is depicted with a lifelike posture, and its feet are sculpted to grip the branch. The branch itself, and the base from which it emerges, are designed to resemble natural wood, with visible bark textures and a grayish-brown coloring. At the base of the tree stump, two broad green leaves with visible veining are present, one partially obscuring a white flower bud, and another larger, more open white flower with a brown center, resembling a magnolia. These floral elements add a touch of naturalistic detail. The entire assembly sits on a gracefully curved, off-white or cream-colored bulbous base, which is characteristic of the housing for a music box mechanism. The base appears to be made of glazed pottery or ceramic, providing a smooth finish that contrasts with the textured cardinal and branch. The item shows signs of good craftsmanship, with careful painting and molding evident in the details of the cardinal's feathers, the leaves, and the flowers. The overall condition appears to be relatively good, with no visible chips, cracks, or significant wear from the provided image. The mention of it being 'Signed by artist with Manufacturer’s stamp' suggests a higher level of quality and traceability, which would indicate a deliberate and possibly limited production. The music box component is an integral feature, not just a decorative stand. This item likely dates from the mid to late 20th century given its style and the prevalence of such pottery collectibles during that period.