Antique Handpainted Heron & Crane and similar items

This beautifully crafted metal bucket features hand-painted decoration in the Aesthetic Movement style, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The design showcases two large exotic birds?a crowned crane on one side and what appears to be a heron or egret on the other?set within stylized black panels surrounded by geometric, architectural borders and delicate scrollwork. Both birds are depicted in lush, tropical settings, rendered in rich, vivid colors that contrast beautifully against the muted cream background. The detailed brushwork and absence of halftone dots confirms this is hand-painted rather than printed, and the craftsmanship is notably refined. The bucket itself is 11.5 inches tall and made of sturdy, heavier-gauge metal with ornate cast metal handles?far from the thin sheet metal of modern pieces. The surface shows scattered areas of wear, consistent with age and use, which only adds to its antique charm. It bears a strong resemblance in style and construction to early 20th-century French toleware buckets, including those produced for decorative and functional use (such as wine coolers, jardinieres, or coal scuttles). Ships out next business day with free insurance. Buy with confidence - check out our feedback!