A highly accomplished hand-built studio ceramic sculpture of a cormorant, dating from the latter part of the twentieth century.

Modelled in a compact standing pose upon an integral naturalistic base, the bird is built from numerous individually formed and finely worked elements. The overlapping plumage is especially impressive: broader wing feathers are arranged in distinct tiers and covered with delicate combed incisions, while the neck, breast and head receive progressively finer and more irregular modelling. The prominent eyes, long beak and substantial feet give the sculpture an alert and strongly individual character.

The underside reveals a hollow, thick-walled ceramic construction, confirming that the piece was built as a substantial sculptural form rather than cast or commercially moulded. The exposed buff clay body, internal working marks and complex exterior modelling demonstrate considerable technical confidence.

Unsigned. The sculpture was acquired with the monumental owl described separately and appears very likely to be by the same hand. Both works display closely comparable feather tooling, eye treatment, feet, claws, naturalistic bases and earthy brown-and-ochre surfaces.

The modelling bears noteworthy similarities to the unique wildlife sculptures of Colin Kellam, including his dodos, raven, cockerel and vulture. The attribution is nevertheless presented cautiously because no signature or documentary link to Kellam has yet been found.

From a longstanding private collection in the Cotswolds, reportedly acquired many years ago, possibly from a regional artist or studio.

Dimensions: Height 34.5cm, Width 24cm, Depth 19.5cm

Price breakdown: Cormorant pottery sculpture - £625, Courier/Delivery Fee UK MAINLAND ONLY - £30