Brass Pocket Bowl in the Shape of a Stylized Bird. French Work. Glass.

This cup features a stylized bird — either a duck or a swan — whose hollow body forms the receptacle for a catch-all. The long neck rises in a gracefully full curve, ending in a round head with a slightly open, pointed beak, while the tail fans out in a fluted design. The whole piece rests on two small fluted webbed feet, which elegantly ground the silhouette. This type of zoomorphic object in polished brass, straddling the line between decorative sculpture and functional item, is characteristic of the taste of the 1970s, which revived the use of gilded brass and stylized animal figures in interior decoration. Condition report: Generally good condition. Brass with a warm golden patina showing some signs of use and slight oxidation that contribute to its charm. A witty catch-all for an entryway, desk, or coffee table.