Stangl Birds Appraisal

Stangl Pottery 'Parakeets'

This item is a ceramic figurine, likely made of earthenware or stoneware, featuring two parakeets perched on a naturalistic base of foliage or branches. The piece is hand-painted with a vibrant, glossy glaze that showcases shades of green, yellow, brown, and a hint of orange/brown on the birds’ beaks. The dominant color is a rich, variegated green, creating a sense of depth and natural texture, particularly on the base and the birds' feathers. One parakeet stands upright, facing forward, while the other is depicted in a inverted position, possibly reaching for something or intertwined with the foliage. This dynamic pose adds visual interest to the composition. The craftsmanship suggests a handmade or at least hand-finished quality, evidenced by the slight variations in color application and the sculpted details of the feathers and foliage. There are visible crackle patterns in the glaze, particularly on the deeper green areas of the base and the birds' bodies, which is characteristic of older ceramic pieces and adds to their vintage appeal, rather than indicating damage. The overall style points to a mid-20th century aesthetic, aligning with the typical output of Stangl Pottery, known for their hand-painted bird figurines. The base features relief sculpting, mimicking leaves and bark, which is then enhanced by the varied glaze application. No discernible manufacturing marks or signatures are visible in the provided image, though such marks are typically found on the underside of Stangl pieces. The 'Large' in the context suggests it's a larger-sized figurine within Stangl's bird line, implying a more substantial presence.