A wonderfully expressive mid-century Carolina Parakeet bird sculpture by Stangl Pottery of Flemington, New Jersey.
Identified as Stangl model no. 3449, the now-extinct North American parakeet is modeled perched on a gnarled branch and feeding on a cocklebur. Its brilliant yellow and russet head is complemented by beautifully shaded jade, turquoise, blue, and moss-green plumage. Deeply molded feathering, a glossy hand-painted finish, and the bird’s inquisitive, downward-turned pose give this compact sculpture exceptional character.
The form belongs to Stangl’s celebrated series of naturalistic American bird figures inspired by the work of John James Audubon. The underside bears the original oval “STANGL POTTERY BIRDS” backstamp. The model number and any decorator’s initials are presently obscured by remnants of old protective felt and adhesive.
A distinctive piece of American art pottery for an Audubon collection, library shelf, garden room, or colorful layered interior.
Maker: Stangl Pottery
Model: Carolina Parakeet, no. 3449
Origin: Flemington, New Jersey, USA
Date: Circa 1940s–1950s
Material: Hand-painted glazed ceramic pottery
Condition: Good vintage condition with minor surface marks, glaze variations, and light age-related wear.
Dimensions:
5.5" Tall
5.5" Deep
3" Wide
Styling ideas
Pair it with a framed Audubon print, natural-history books, and a brass picture light.
Place it among blue-and-white porcelain for an English-country or grandmillennial look.
Use it on a walnut console with a brass candlestick for a more restrained mid-century setting.
Its turquoise and citrus coloring works especially well with rattan, bamboo, tortoiseshell, and Palm Beach–style interiors.
