A Greater Bird of Paradise under a Glass Dome
With a birdwing butterfly, on an ebonised base
Workshop of Dark Interiors
- Period
- 20th century
- Origin
- Papua New Guinea, Victorian Dome
- Materials
- Taxidermy specimen (bird of paradise, butterfly), blown glass dome, turned ebonised wood base, moss, lichen, dried vegetation
- Dimensions
- —
- Condition
- Excellent
$6,500
The Story
A displaying male Greater Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea apoda) mounted in full courtship display, perched upon a lichen-encrusted branch with wings outspread and ornamental flank plumes raised. Beneath, a birdwing butterfly rests on a rocky outcrop dressed with preserved moss, dried grasses, and ferns.
The entire diorama is mounted on an oval turned ebonised wooden plinth beneath a tall blown glass display dome. Arranged in the traditional natural history manner, the presentation reflects the enduring European fascination with New Guinea avifauna, demonstrating careful taxidermic preparation to preserve the iridescent plumage and delicate ornamental plumes.
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