‘Peaceable Kingdom’ Shows Rare Animalia

In Glass, Ceramics At Houston Museum

 

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Bat on art glass cranberry bowl.

 

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Royal Bayreuth tapestry peacock plate.

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‘PEACEABLE KINGDOM’ SHOWS RARE ANIMALIA IN GLASS, CERAMICS AT HOUSTON MUSEUM w/2 cuts

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CHATTANOOGA, TENN. — “The Peaceable Kingdom,” a selection of rare antique decorative glass and ceramic pieces featuring animals of almost all kinds, is now on display as a special exhibit at Chattanooga’s Houston Museum of Decorative Arts through August.

Amy Frierson, director of the museum, said animal themes have been used extensively by artists and craftsmen and abound in the decorative arts. The Houston collection has a predominance of Victorian glass and ceramic pieces, and many are in the shape of, or decorated with, mammals, fish, reptiles or winged creatures. One that seems to evoke the most response is a cranberry art glass bowl featuring a bat, symbolic of rebirth, longevity, joy and good luck, Frierson said.

The image of a squirrel with a nut in its paws is the central figure on a number of majolica pieces, pressed glass and other ceramic items.

Cats are popular subjects on decorative arts pieces, and a majolica milk pitcher is finished with a handle in the shape of a cat. Japan’s famous “lucky cat,” known as “Maneki Neko,” is found all over the world with its paw raised to wave in good fortune and appears at the Houston in a tiny figurine.

One of the museum’s most impressive smaller collections comprises German beer steins, many of which bear depictions of animals.

An important plate produced by Royal Bayreuth in its tapestry ware is adorned with a brilliant peacock. Also providing a bird presence on glass and ceramic pieces is the whooping crane.

Ceramic cow creamers are in large numbers in the Houston Collection, and among Royal Bayreuth ceramic novelty pieces are alligator pitchers and lobster pitchers. The pedestal of a fine glass compote is formed of birds, and birds appear on countless other pieces, including a rare pair of pressed glass napkin holders that are also saltcellars.

The eagle is represented repeatedly. The owl is the subject of a number of majolica pitchers.

Rabbits and butterflies are on teacups, platters, plates and teapots, while snakes form handles on teapots, ceramic and glass pitchers and baskets. Hens on milk glass and ceramic baskets indicate their roles as repositories for eggs, and a swan sits atop a milk glass box, while a bee tops a turquoise pattern glass.

The Houston Museum is at 206 High Street near the downtown. For information, www.thehoustonmuseum.com or 423-267-7176.