Awesome early Haviland Asian Inspired Limoges Porcelain rare
I have never seen this style pitcher except in a 4 1/2 inch size with a different decoration. This is a dramatic rendition of four red-crowned cranes in a Japanese style. The Red-crowned Crane also called the Japanese Crane or Manchurian Crane, is a large crane and is the second rarest crane in the world. In East Asia, it is known as a symbol of luck, longevity and fidelity. This piece has been hand painted with depth and style that had to be done by an accomplished Oriental artist or a very accomplished European artist. Colors on your screen cannot compare with the depth of color on the actual item. The four cranes depicted flying have been done in black outlines and raised white enamel for their feathers. Brilliant red heads and upper legs really stand out on the white background. The upper portion of the pitcher has a light blue and green background with raised enamel beading. The artist has painted gold, black and red orange splotches around black branches giving the appearance of leaves among the beading. The base of the pitcher has yellow, blue & red flowers on wispy stems mixed with gray grasses. The rope handle has black and golden branches up the front. The artist has finished this magnificent piece with a gold rim. This piece is in excellent condition with no chips or cracks. Manufacturing anomalies may exist, the occasional tiny iron speck, dust 'bump' in the glaze, etc.

Backstamp: H & Co over L and impressed British Diamond 1876 - 1879

Measures: 8 ½" H x 4 ½' W at base and 4" at spout.

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