For the Birds

Remarkable for their ability to fly, birds have long held fascination for people around the world. In various ways, birds have provided inspiration for fashion and the decorative arts. Certain birds have meaning in various cultures and their use have had important symbolic value. 

Feathers have been incorporated into fashion particularly hats, fans, and evening dresses. Images of birds have served as motifs on garments from China and India to Europe and the Americas.

60 works showcase the ways that birds have provided material and inspiration for fashion and decorative arts, exploring the levels of meaning birds can convey as well as the variety of their uses. The pieces range from hats, jewelry, and kimonos to ceramics and lace. The exhibition is organized by type of birds and includes peacocks, ostriches, owls, ducks, cranes, and roosters.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.         

Hair ornaments made of kingfisher feathers (1983.1.1980) Chinese, ca.1880s. Silver, kingfisher feathers, pearls, jade. Several of these pieces are made en tremblant, meaning that portions are attached to wire springs creating a shaking or trembling. This motion evokes the beauty of the original kingfisher in flight with the play of light on the feathers.