A fine and decorative English tray dating to the mid-19th century and painted in the Worcester / James Giles exotic bird tradition. The body is of high-quality English manufacture, probably porcelain or stone china.The central reserve depicts exotic birds within a landscape, a decorative theme that became one of the most recognisable features of the Worcester and James Giles tradition. These imaginative birds, painted within Rococo cartouches and surrounded by richly coloured grounds, remain among the most admired decorative subjects in English ceramics.The tray displays a deep mottled cobalt-blue ground, hand-painted floral reserves and extensive gilding throughout. The exotic bird cartouche forms the focal point of the composition, framed by finely painted flowers and gilt ornament. The openwork handles are particularly impressive, carefully moulded and enriched with generous gilding. Their scale and quality enhance the visual impact of the piece and complement the richness o...