Vintage 1973 Miller Studio Chalkware Cockatoos Pair Parrot Wall Plaques Gold Cream

This is a pair of vintage Miller Studio chalkware cockatoo wall plaques, dating to 1973, featuring two beautifully detailed tropical birds facing one another. Finished in an attractive combination of antique gold on a cream-coloured background, these decorative wall hangings are wonderful examples of the chalkware wall décor popular during the 1970s.

Each cockatoo is depicted perched on a short branch, with a fan-shaped feathered crest, a large curved beak, intricately modelled plumage and a long, gracefully tapered tail. The raised feather details have gold accents highlighting the crests, wings, claws and tail feathers against the cream-coloured bodies.

The birds are designed as a complementary left- and right-facing pair, allowing them to be displayed facing one another or arranged separately. Both pieces are made of moulded chalkware, a plaster-based material used for decorative wall plaques during the mid-20th century. The combination of sculptural detail, metallic gold accents and a pearlescent finish is characteristic of the period.

One of the plaques bears the impressed copyright marking:

© 1973 MILLER STUDIO, INC.

Miller Studio was an American manufacturer particularly well known for its decorative chalkware wall plaques, including birds, fish, flowers and other colourful designs.

Each cockatoo has an embedded metal hanging loop on the reverse for wall display.

Measurements:

• Left-facing cockatoo: 14" long
• Right-facing cockatoo: 13 3/4" long

Condition: Very good vintage condition, with a small area of surface finish loss to the claws of the left-facing cockatoo, as shown in the photographs. There are some metal staples visible on the reverse of both plaques, the purpose of which is uncertain. These are not visible when the cockatoos are displayed on a wall.

A charming and decorative pair of original 1973 Miller Studio chalkware cockatoos, ideal for adding a touch of vintage Hollywood Regency style to an interior or as a distinctive wall display for a cockatoo enthusiast.

Sold as a pair.