Terry acquired a trademark reputation for his painting of miniature pieces featuring owls on copper enamel, so it is fitting that his first china vase should depict the ever popular Barn Owl.

This impressive vase is the second shape (SH2) that has been specially designed and produced for Steve and Terry - at just under 10 cm high it is a little larger and more impressive than most of the similar shapes they painted for Moorcroft Enamels. The extra surface provides the opportunity for much greater detail and Terry has certainly achieved that with this piece.

Inspired by a visit to Norfolk, Terry chose to bathe the scene in an early evening sun, giving a rich glow to the landscape. The two Barn Owls, one standing and one in flight, are carefully depicted to convey the image he carried in his head from his visit there.

The painting flows neatly round the vase, a little water-filled dyke reflects the fading sun and links the two images of the bird.

This is a beautiful piece of freehand painted china!