The Gilded Aviary: A Vintage Tiger-Stripe Copper Bird Cage on Stand

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Description

17 1/2” diameter x 66”H
Base: 9” Diameter
Bird Cage: 14” Diameter x 18”H

This exceptional architectural bird cage presents … Read more 17 1/2” diameter x 66”H
Base: 9” Diameter
Bird Cage: 14” Diameter x 18”H

This exceptional architectural bird cage presents a striking marriage of neoclassical elegance and industrial craftsmanship. Defined by its sophisticated globular wire-work form, the cage features a distinctive tiger-stripe copper finish—a decorative technique historically known as "oxidized copper" or "japanned copper". Rather than being a natural byproduct of age, this factory-applied pattern was created by applying a chemical blackening agent to the metal and then hand-buffing sections to reveal the bright copper beneath. This "relieving" process creates rhythmic, tonal bands that mimic the organic undulating patterns of exotic timber or feline pelage, adding a three-dimensional depth to the industrial wire.

The cage is engineered for both form and function, featuring integrated clip-on mesh panels at the base and a hinged door that reveals its original interior ceramic feeders. It is suspended from a sweeping, swan-neck floor support, characterized by a refined knopped pole stem that descends into a substantial weighted base. The silhouette is anchored by a triad of impressively cast lion paw feet, a classical motif frequently used during the Art Deco and Streamline Moderne eras to soften Machine Age materials.

Exhibiting a rich, aged character, this floor-standing cage serves as a commanding sculptural element for the curated interior. It stands as a testament to the early 20th-century design philosophy that sought to bring artistic texture to everyday functional objects.

USA

1920s - 1940s See less