A fantastic and macabre 19th century English cast bronze dead sparrow objet d’art.
In Victorian England dead sparrows were a reminder of one’s mortality and to live a just and honest life. These beliefs ultimately led dead birds to symbolize good luck and prosperity. It was common for friends and family to give each other cards with dead birds pictured on them, or small tokens such as this bronze piece, to each other on New Year’s Eve.
Beautifully cast and in good condition.
It measures 13cm wide.