Silver Cockatoo

Description

• Subject Matter: This figural inkwell is sculpted in the round as a perching bird, specifically a Cockatoo or crested parrot. This is evidenced by the distinctive, prominent backward-sweeping head crest.
• Surface Detail & Structure: The casting features heavily textured, layered plumage covering the breast, back, and wings. The bird is modeled with a curved, powerful raptorial beak and detailed talons grasping a small, integral circular perch or base.
• Mechanism: The upper half of the head functions as a hinged lid. The hinge is mounted at the rear of the neck.
• Interior: Tilting the head back reveals a hollow interior designed to hold a removable, cylindrical white ceramic insert.

Material & Composition

• The Metal: The exterior displays a metallic, silver-to-goldish or brassy sheen, likely from an old wash or worn cold-painted finish. However, the dark, somewhat rough textured interior seen inside the lid and the specific gray metal visible at points of wear suggest it is cast from spelter (a zinc alloy widely used for figural decorative arts) or a similar cast white-metal alloy rather than solid bronze.
• The Base: The bottom of the piece shows a flat, slightly hollowed underside. It has no manufacturer marks, logos, or design registry numbers.
• Venting/Manufacturing Hole: There is a distinct, small circular hole cast into the lower back feathers below the hinge. This is a venting or gas-release hole necessary during the hollow-casting manufacturing process.