Birds of a Feather
This porcelain cup, one of a set of twelve, is hand painted with three little blue birds, as well as tiny white flowers. A gilded rim adds a touch of sparkle, while its uniquely shaped handle adds to the delicate nature of the teacup. Not pictured is the matching porcelain saucer, also hand painted with white flowers and featuring a gilded edge, though the saucer lacks the whimsical birds. The base of the set is signed “H. 1886” for the artist, Fall Riverite Hannah Valentine Durfee (1828-1907).
Like many ladies of leisure in the late 19th century, Hannah participated in the fashion of porcelain painting. The painter would purchase plain porcelain blanks and would create their own designs. These designs typically included plants, birds, and occasionally insects.
Hannah’s dishes feature of myriad of flowers and grasses, such as morning glories, violets, dandelions, ferns, and even a branch with berries. But by far her most interesting cup and saucer set are the little blue birds, twittering away to one another.
It’s the perfect set for a cup of tea on a nice Spring day!