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Object Timeline

1916

  • We acquired this object.

2005

2014

2025

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Birdcage Birdcage

This is a Birdcage. It is dated 1750–1800 and we acquired it in 1916. Its medium is tin-glazed earthenware, metal wire, metal. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

Birdcage
Netherlands, second half of 18th century
Tin-glazed earthenware, metal wire, metal
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt, 1916-19-60-a,b

Chinese porcelain, imported by the Dutch East India Company starting in the seventeenth century, was widely sought after by wealthy Europeans looking to add an exotic touch to their interiors. Delft, in Holland, was an important pottery center for the production of imitation blue-and-white Chinese porcelain. This birdcage with traditional Dutch landscapes along the bottom panels incorporates this popular Eastern aesthetic.

This object was donated by Eleanor Garnier Hewitt and Sarah Cooper Hewitt. It is credited Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt.

  • Fish Trap (Papua New Guinea)
  • plaited rattan, sago-palm ribs, cane.
  • Transferred from the US Department of Agriculture and Dr. E. W. Brandes,....
  • 15.2012.16
  •
  • Teapot And Lid (England)
  • tin-glazed earthenware with transfer-printed decoration.
  • Gift of Eleanor Garnier Hewitt.
  • 1931-40-44-a,b
  •

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 26.7 x 22.3 x 14.6 cm (10 1/2 x 8 3/4 x 5 3/4 in.)

Cite this object as

Birdcage Birdcage; Netherlands; tin-glazed earthenware, metal wire, metal; H x W x D: 26.7 x 22.3 x 14.6 cm (10 1/2 x 8 3/4 x 5 3/4 in.); Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt; 1916-19-60-a,b

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Hewitt Sisters Collect.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-6.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18187635/ |title=Birdcage Birdcage |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=19 March 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>