It took a few friends to help me figure this item out, although the chickens should have spelled it plainly for me. This set is rare and a great conversation piece. It's also very utilitarian, because these chickens hold eggs! And, the holder holds all the chickens PLUS a little bowl in the middle that can hold salt or sauce.

The hand painting in this piece is almost Mexican in style, but the pieces (all five egg cups and tray) are clearly marked as made in Czechoslovakia. The colors include blue, yellow, pink, rose, and green on a white background. The entire set is very festive. There are no chips, nicks, or cracks, and I haven't noticed any crazing. The tray is 7 1/2" diameter at the base, and it is 10" long from beak to the end of the handle. The cups are 2" high and 3 1/8" from beak to end of the handle.

I'm assuming this set is made from ceramic pottery, because the bottoms of the cups and the bottom rim of the tray are rough, like fired clay. The hand painting is quaint and practiced, although it seems primitive. I have never seen a set like this, and have searched high and low to find another one to no avail. I haven't had the piece appraised, but it truly is a work of art. 

NOTE: My mother wrote on the box (which I didn't see until I packed it): "Mother Hen and Chicks (egg cups). I've owned about 30 years." That means she acquired it about 1965. I never saw the piece in any home where we ever lived, and I would have been old enough to remember.

This item is stored in a non-smoking environment, already double-boxed and ready to send. Free shipping.

* If you would like a closer inspection of this item, please let me know and I will help you out with additional pictures or descriptions as soon as possible.

** Do not hesitate to ask questions, to ask me to hold something for you, or to bargain with me. I am very approachable.

*** I ship the day of or the day following your order. Expect recycled packaging. Also expect insurance, including hand delivery for fragile items.

**** I welcome questions and any reasonable counter offers.