Fine & Large 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 and 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..".