Group of four porcelain thimbles painted with garden birds, Royal Worcester, late 19th century

Four English porcelain thimbles, each painted with a naturalistically rendered garden bird on a cream or blush-pink ground with gilt line borders to base. The group comprises: a woodpecker on a branch with yellow plumage and red cap among autumnal foliage; a robin redbreast perched among spring blossom in soft watercolour tones; a pair of yellow warblers among pink blossom and berry sprays; and a bullfinch with grey, black and coral plumage perched on a branch with red berries and green leaves. Each bird is painted with confident brushwork and evident ornithological knowledge. All examples with simulated porcelain indentations to the apex. English porcelain, Royal Worcester, late 19th century.