An eye-catching stoneware bird jar, made by esteemed pottery manufacturer Martin Brothers, brought £22,500 ($34,249) to Bonhams London on April 19.

The distinctive bird jar wears an unusually stern expression

The circa 1887 piece, perched on an ebonised wooden base, sold as part of Bonhams' Ceramic Design auction, which was scheduled for April 17 but cut short when a power failure hit the auction house.

The sale resumed on April 19. A circa 1875 salon table led the auction, bringing £39,650 ($60,396).

A comparable Martinware bird jar made £34,100 ($51,825) at Sotheby's London in April 2008, suggesting, when these unusual pieces come to auction, collectors are willing to pay substantial sums.

In terms of pottery manufacture, Martinware represents the transition from decorative Victorian ceramics to 20th century studio pottery.

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