The Japanese influence on French and English potters of the latter nineteenth century extended beyond merely copying ground patterns and common eastern motifs. From printmakers like Hokusai, Europeans gained a new view of natural subjects, abandoning conventional depiction of birds, animals and insects in favor of spontaneous views of these creatures in action. This close observation of nature resulted in images ranging from the charming to the grotesque or even monstrous.

On the uninterrupted surfaces of these six rimless coupe-shape plates and compote are depicted scenes of baby ducks and chicks exploring the micro environment of the turf. The only dark element of this Easter basket realm is the fierce appearance of the insects they encounter and the fierceness with which the feathered marauders devour them.

The scenes are executed in bright denim blue transfer printing; a gilt edge is the only other decoration.

Though unmarked, the set recalls similar designs for Minton credited to the French artist Gustav Leonce. The adventures of these young fowl, however, are gentle in comparison to the sometimes savage antics of the Minton birds. It is known that Leonce also worked for Brown, Westhead, Moore & Company, whose known work is quite comparable to this set. Still, it is altogether possible that what we have is the product of some smaller Staffordshire potter inspired by the work of Leonce.

In any case, the set exerts its appeal to lovers of poultry, baby animals, the Japanese view of nature, or simply of Easter and the arrival of spring.