Whimsical Mid-20th Century Uniquely Glazed Cast Ceramic Green Dutchy Folk Art Distelfink Figurine By James C Seagreaves
Description: A nice glazed and nicely decorated ceramic bird figurine made by James C Seagreaves. This is a whimsical green colored distelfink with black beak, green body with black and some blue highlights, and brown splashes throughout the bird’s body. This relatively large and having unique glaze decoration is very much in the Seagreaves' type of work. The bird, which is reminiscent of the distelfink common as folk-art decoration in Pennsylvania German culture, is hollow cast and has a lowered head with its black beak pointing downward and eyes with black pupils. It has raised sgraffito feathers in the wings and down its legs. Its claws are raised and can be seen all the way to the bottom near the top of the round pedestal base. The bird is hollow and stands on a round shaped molded base with brown highlights on off white grayish coloring almost suggesting marble. The bird figurine has raised design outlining the feathers in the wings and the legs. The bottom base is off-white in color and is marked on the underside "JcS." The head of the bird is tilted downward with the bird's beak pointing down. The piece is hollow but has raised details throughout. A beautiful piece of modern folk-art ceramic to add to your collection. Please carefully view photos as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Uncertain but most likely sometime in the period 1950-1970.
Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: The base measures ~3 5/8" in diameter, while the bird itself is ~8" long, is ~3" at its widest, and ~6 5/8" at its highest. The piece weighs slightly over 1 pound.
Maker: James Christian Seagreaves.
Marks: Marked "JcS" on bottom in cursive calligraphy.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: A beautiful piece of contemporary folk art ceramic made by a master potter. A beautiful piece, which deserves a prominent spot in your redware collection.
Condition: The bird is in good condition with no cracks, repairs, chips, hairlines, or crazing to the glaze. The piece is clean and one little spot near the bottom of the base on the back (see 4th photo) where an unglazed spot exists. We are not certain if this was an artifact of the making or occurred after the piece was made. Th spot is small and does not affect the beauty or quality of the piece but is mentioned for completeness. Other than that, the piece is solid, beautiful, and very well made. A great looking rare bird in very good condition to add to your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information and to appreciate the beauty of this piece.
